Key challenges
Financial pressures
- the council is experiencing sustained financial pressure, with an increasing demand for services and reduced funding
- we recognise that competition through procurement helps maximise the value of our spend with providers
- we will explore opportunities to generate revenue and reduce costs, without putting public funds and services at risk
Safeguarding the vulnerable
- the council has a duty to safeguard vulnerable residents eligible for social care and other health-related services. The complexity of needs and demand are both growing, within a difficult market
- we will monitor suppliers and have controls in our contracts to protect vulnerable service users and ensure quality
- we will provide support to suppliers who need it, identifying any concerns and how they can be addressed
Service quality
- the council will procure the quality of services needed to deliver the outcomes identified in the Corporate Plan
- we will define our requirements clearly so that contracts are easy to understand
Market sufficiency
- the council's suppliers range from large multinational companies to local charities, with some finding it difficult to remain sustainable in the current financial climate
- we will work with suppliers and service users to shape a vibrant, competitive market encouraging SME participation. This will be supported by planning to minimise the effects of any supplier failure
Sustainability
- climate change, plastic pollution and the use of natural resources are important issues the council has a duty to consider, both with regard to its own operations and those of suppliers
- we will ensure suppliers consider how to minimise their impact on the environment and adopt sustainable business practices
Commercial management
- we will ensure commercial terms hold suppliers to account while striking a balance that is fair to both parties
- our contracts will protect the interests of the council while providing sustainable commercial opportunities for suppliers
- we will favour open-book arrangements, and our contract terms will reflect the size and value of the contract and the market
- pur procurement processes will be efficient, and we will work with commissioning colleagues to let contracts promptly
Legal compliance
- the council operates in a regulated environment where the consequences of getting things wrong are costly
- we will ensure we have the skills, practices and capability to effectively manage risk when making commercial and procurement decisions