Crown Commercial Service
New procurement regulations, which came into effect in 2015, require colleges to comply with more rigorous public procurement procedures when sourcing regulated qualifications and services. Responding to the change, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is working in partnership with the Association of Colleges (AoC) and Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC) to provide a compliant, central solution that will deliver greater efficiencies and value for money for the sector.
The partners are committed to working with customer and suppliers, drawing on their vast knowledge and experience, to develop the best possible long-term solution .
A recent event was held with a wide range of interested suppliers to share the groups current thinking and discuss the main aspects of the procurement. The Federation of Awarding Bodies represented members who couldnt attend and a stakeholder group is providing a college perspective to ensure the solution meets user needs and is easy to use.
If you are interested in taking part in this procurement and were unable to attend the event, we want to hear from you. To get in touch please email awardingorganisations@crowncommercial.gov.uk
Meetings with customers will begin in February and March in London, Manchester and Birmingham. Dates and venues will announced shortly.
CCS will also be attending AoC and CPC events and conferences to communicate further progress.
Findings from our engagement with customers and suppliers will feed into the strategy and ensure that stakeholders understand and are able to comment on and influence the procurement strategy.