Getting to grips with the Procurement Act 2023

What the new public procurement environment means for your trust in practice

This masterclass is designed to help commercial leaders in school trusts to develop a detailed and practical understanding of the provisions of the new Procurement Act 2023. The course covers all the main provisions of the Act, including new key definitions, concepts and terminology; objectives and principles; permissible procurement routes; notices and transparency; transitional arrangements; new competitive tender procedures; below-threshold contracts; remedies; debarment and more.

Who is it for?

Procurement practitioners
Chief finance, operations officers and others responsible for overseeing procurement
Governance staff or project managers with procurement responsibility

Please note that this course is aimed at those who already have procurement knowledge or a background in this role. If you are new to trust procurement, you may find our masterclass in commercial governance for trustees, leaders and non-procurement specialists a better place to start.

What you will gain

This course will give you:

An understanding of the new Procurement Act
How the new Act can be practically applied to school trusts
Knowledge on what is required for procurement and contract management to be compliant with the law and DfE guidance

Meet your seminar leaders

Walter Akers, Founder and CEO, In2 the Bargain Limited

Ciara Campfield, Partner, Stone King

What previous participants have said

"A thorough and detailed explanation of the new procurement act delivered effectively. Can't recommend this course enough.” – Sarah Burdett, Bradgate Education Partnership

"An excellent overview of the new procurement regulations. Lots of valuable information and expertise.”

"Brilliantly presented by Walter and Ciara, who delivered focussed, info-packed sessions on the new procurement rules. Would highly recommend to other trusts and schools.”

Course overview

This masterclass takes participants through all the key changes, updates, refinements and working practices that are required under the new Act and supporting regulations to ensure that you can generate the best outcomes from your trust procurement.

Session one: The big picture: The role procurement plays in the success of your schools

Why does procurement matter?
What are the critical factors you need to get right?
Broader benefits from procurement
Introducing the Procurement Act 2023
Accountability and value for public money: What are the regulatory frameworks trusts must work within
Key definitions and structure of the Act
Updating your governance for the Procurement Act

Session two: Developing a strategic approach to procurement that works for your trust

Procurement routes and buying options open to trusts under the Procurement Act Open and competitive flexible procedures, direct awards, frameworks and dynamic markets
Mapping out your trust needs: how to develop a holistic view of the goods and services and types of spend your trust will deal with
Understanding when and how to seek professional advice and support

Session three: The procurement cycle under the Procurement Act 2023