Procurement

For anyone involved in procuring goods and services, preparing tenders, or entering into contracts on behalf of local councils.

This session introduces the new rules of the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February 2025 and replace the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The session covers the basics of procurement for local councils – inviting quotes, producing specifications and tender documentation, achieving competition and value for money.

Topics include:

• Overview and purpose of the Procurement Act 2023
• Procurement principles and objectives
• Procurement lifecycle
• Conflicts of Interest
• Roles and responsibilities
• Thresholds
• Below threshold contracts
• Excluded contracts
• Direct Awards
• Estimating the contract value
• Scope/Specification
• Frameworks
• Procurement procedures
• Timescales
• Publication of your procurement
• Assessment summaries
• Contract Award Notice & Standstill
• Contracting authorities' requirements (mandatory or voluntary).

Session benefits:

By the end of the Procurement Act 2023 course you will:

• Have a deeper knowledge of the procurement regulations
• Understand the council's duties regarding procurement
• Understand the Do’ and Don’ts of procurement
• Be aware of relevant legislation and sources of guidance

Session leader: Iain M Alexander BSc FCIPS, Director of ISPS Associates Limited

Iain is a chartered procurement professional, a fellow and member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. Iain has over 30 years’ experience within private & public sector organisations specialising in procurement, supply chain management and commercial operations, predominantly in construction and infrastructure sectors using PA23, UCR and PCR procurement legislation. Iain has held the position of Chairman of Parish Council and currently resides as a Parish Councillor.