New training launched for new UK Procurement Act

The UK Procurement Act finally received Royal Assent in October 2023, so training and guidance is now being introduced to allow business to prepare. The act is being introduced to help reform the UK's public procurement regime following the UK’s exit from the European Union and is expected to be in place by October 2024. 

Doing business with the UK public sector 

The main focus of it is to make it easier to do business with the public sector. This includes making public procurement simpler and more transparent as well as removing barriers to new entrants, such as; small businesses, voluntary, community, faith and social enterprises. Significantly, there is greater emphasis on procurement as an enabler to deliver wider benefits for the public good. Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, the new act replaces and improves on existing legislation while remaining compliant with international obligations. 

It includes stepped-up measures to protect national security in government contracts, which aims to streamline processes, support small businesses, and enhance national security.

What are Knowledge Drops? 

The Cabinet Office is starting the process of providing training and information to both procurement teams and suppliers who will be working under the new rules. The first batch of training is launched in December called "Knowledge Drops". 

Knowledge Drops are designed to provide an overview of the Procurement Act 2023 for three audiences:

• Contracting authorities (with accompanying fact sheets that outline specific differences for Wales, Northern Ireland, utilities, light touch, defence and security, concessions and schools)
• Suppliers who deliver contracts to the UK public, utilities and defence sectors
• Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs)

The Procurement Act is only the start of achieving commercial outcomes for the public sector. The Procurement Act sets the framework, but it is outstanding commercial leadership and capable suppliers which will deliver those outcomes.  Contracting authorities need to take the necessary steps to ensure they are prepared and ready to utilise the Procurement Act to its full potential.

Find out how the act could help SMEs.  

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Other magazines that may be of interest - Supply Chain Magazine | Sustainability Magazine

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