How we buy goods and services

How we buy will depend on the value and type of contract.

For transactions:

• up to £10,000, we need at least one verbal or written quote. The purchasing member of staff will select an appropriate supplier.
• between £10,001 and £30,000, we will seek at least three written quotations.
• between £30,001 and Procurement thresholds, we will seek at least four written quotations.
• over Procurement thresholds, we will seek a formal tender process. The thresholds are:
  • £214,904 for services/supplies
  • £663,540 for social care, health and other specified services
  • £5,372,609 for works

Where these contracts are required to be published, we publish them on:

• East Midlands Tender Portal
• Find a Tender Service

We also buy commonly-used goods and services through Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO).

Find out how to become an ESPO supplier.