Issue - items at meetings - Revision of Procurement Standing Orders

The Procurement Standing Orders (PSOs) set out how the Council governs spending by Officers on goods, works and services. The PSOs have been reviewed to engender and support good decision making, streamlined and efficient work practices, proportionate risk management and partnership working. Cabinet is asked to note the revised Procurement and Contract Standing Orders and approve them to Council.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet makes the following recommendation to Full County Council on 21 May 2019:

Cabinet recommendations to Full County Council:

That Council approves the proposed changes to Procurement and Contract Standing Orders.

Reasons for Decision:

· Introduction of an annual forward procurement plan which provides a platform for early sight of key strategic procurements, improved planning and management of procurement projects and identification of a future savings pipeline.

· Introducing more streamlined procurement thresholds, which reduces the burden on small and local business and the voluntary sector to win council work.

· Consistent and aligned policy and process across the Orbis partnership, engendering greater efficiencies, reducing bureaucracy and developing a flexible pool of expert resources to conduct procurement activity.

· Incorporating the latest legislative and regulatory changes.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Support introduced a report that described that revision of procurement and contract standing orders. She explained that processes would be simplified which would be enabling for businesses to take part. In response to a Member question regarding social value she explained that there was an opportunity to test environmental impacts going forward.