Procurement
Improving the approach to procurement on a regional basis is a key part of the National Framework, and also of the National Procurement Strategy for Fire & Rescue Authorities. A strategy is necessary to focus regional procurement efforts on the key issues in the South East where concerted action will ‘add value’ for each Fire & Rescue Authority by enhancing capacity, avoiding duplication and addressing common challenges together.
Our key projects for 2008/11 are:
- Delivery of the regional procurement strategy: this project will deliver it and ensure it remains fit for purpose. Under this project a standard tender evaluation process will be developed, as well as a procurement Risk Register. This project will also deliver a sustainable procurement strategy for the region. Finally it will maintain a database of FRA contracts to enhance the opportunity to drive better deals through collaborative tendering
- Refresh the skills audit of members and staff, and improve skills through courses and training provision: this project is a requirement of the National Procurement Strategy for Fire. It will seek to identify existing skills in procurement in the region, which will be supplemented by specific accredited training opportunities.
- Lead on analysis of expenditure across key headings by Fire & Rescue Authorities: this project will analyse refreshed spend data to identify areas of expenditure where collaborative working may generate savings
The procurement work area is led by Steve Dutton of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Steve Dutton MCIPS
Regional Procurement Manager
South East Fire and Rescue Services
Tel: 07769 671431
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Useful information
Firebuy and procurment newsletters are available in the resources section.