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 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?
- Trustees
- Chief executives
- Chief finance and operations officers
- Governance professionals
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 Procurement Act 2023
- 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
Course overview
This masterclass takes participants through all the key changes, updates, refinements and working practices that are required under the 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
- Modifying public contracts
- Implied terms in contracts
- Information to be published and notices
- Exemptions specific to schools
- Exclusion, debarment, remedies and oversight
- Transitional arrangements
A thorough and detailed explanation of the new procurement act delivered effectively. Can't recommend this course enough.”
03:30 pm
14 May 2026 02:00 pm to
03:30 pm
21 May 2026 02:00 pm to
03:30 pm
- CST members £270+VAT
- Non-members £330+VAT
