Preparations underway at the Crown Commercial Service for the Procurement Act 2023
On 26th October 2023, the new Procurement Bill received Royal Assent, heralding the most extensive changes in UK public procurement regulations to date.
The Transforming Public Procurement (TPP) program aims to enhance public procurement regulations, ultimately saving taxpayer money and fostering social, environmental, and economic benefits nationwide.
Annually, the public sector allocates approximately £300 billion to public procurement, covering expenditures on goods like office equipment or hospital beds, the construction and upkeep of roads, schools, and major infrastructure projects, and services such as adult social care, waste management, and technology services.
With the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, regulations dictating the expenditure of funds will undergo changes in autumn 2024.
Crown Commercial Service holds authority over procurement throughout the entire public sector, aiming to optimize the value-for-money outcome in the procurement of goods and services.
Recognizing the significance of compliance in purchasing common goods and services, Crown Commercial Services collaborate closely with the Cabinet Office to grasp the implications of new regulations, ensuring that public sector organizations can swiftly leverage the associated benefits upon their implementation.
What exactly does the Procurement Act 2023 entail?
The existing regulations governing procurement in the UK were established by the EU. Upon the UK’s departure from the EU, the government aimed to develop a streamlined, adaptable commercial system that better aligns with our nation’s needs while ensuring compliance with international obligations.
The new regulations strive to deliver several benefits, including reducing bureaucracy and fostering innovation, enhancing transparency through an accessible and open system for public procurement data, expediting competition processes for emergency purchases, and facilitating engagement with the public sector to support increased participation of SMEs.
The Procurement Act 2023 program is spearheaded by the Cabinet Office. For more comprehensive information on preparing for the implementation of these regulations, please visit the Cabinet Office Transforming Public Procurement webpage.
What CCS is doing to prepare for the Procurement Act 2023?
CCS has established a specialized project team tasked with progressively implementing internal adjustments until the new regime is operational.
As an organization, CCS commit to:
- Managing and executing the Transforming Public Procurement initiative as a pivotal project for CCS, with dedicated internal personnel dedicated to this effort full-time.
- Assisting customers in adopting the new regime through the provision of thought leadership and guidance.
- Offering guidance to customers on utilizing our products effectively once the new regulations are enacted.
CCS has adopted an organization-wide approach to implementation, divided into five distinct workstreams:
- Commercial Activity: Reviewing all current and forthcoming commercial opportunities.
- Standard Operating Procedures and Policies: Ensuring they’re robust and adaptable for the new regime.
- Guidance and Information: Reviewing documents used by your teams and suppliers, ensuring they’re up-to-date.
- Systems: Assessing the readiness of your organization’s systems and identifying necessary changes.
- People: Ensuring your staff comprehensively understand Transforming Public Procurement and undergo essential training.
For further insights into the CCS implementation approach, please explore the detailed implementation guidance document. This document provides in-depth information on each workstream, along with a checklist of considerations for implementation.
Original Article – Preparations underway at the Crown Commercial Service for Procurement Act 2023 (supplychainonline.co.uk)
