Achieving Best Value procurement in the Public Sector
Delivering better front line services whilst meeting savings targets is challenging. Central Government Departments are required to make significant purchasing savings. The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has identified key areas for improvement throughout the procurement cycle including:
- Develop Value for Money Initiatives (VMI's)
- Create significant savings through better purchasing
- Improve process efficiency
- Ensure independent oversight
Within local government there is similarly an increasing need to balance cost and service delivery in ensuring Best Value for the public. Local authorities are embarked on e-procurement initiatives to support cost reduction, process reform and modernisation objectives such as:
- Reduction of the cost of goods and services
- Tendering process efficiencies
- E-purchasing & procurement card process efficiencies
- Identify savings in leveraged buying
- Meeting e-government targets
- Process efficiencies from the entire procure to pay cycle
- Ensuring prompt payment targets in line with government requirements
- Financial transparency and accountability
- Centralised supplier adoption process
Against this background, a robust framework for monitoring progress including a system of regular reporting is essential with auditable transparent measures and adequate contingencies to guard against slippage and risk.
However, it is apparent that data collation is difficult due to the structures and size of departments within the public sector. Few organisations are equipped with the systems and personnel resources to generate the management information required.
We have the systems, solutions and people that can help and have worked extensively with central and local government. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss in more detail. Please contact us