| Report for: | Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 26th October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Item Number: | 8 |
| Title: | Update on Procurement Improvement Plan |
| Authorised by: | Taryn Eves, Corporate Director of Finance and Resources |
| Lead Officer: | Anthony Oliver, Chief Procurement Officer |
| Ashish Kumar, Procurement Policy & Sustainability Manager. |
Ward(s) Affected: All
Report for Key/ Non-Key Decision: N/A
1.1. The purpose of this report is to update the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the Council's programme of work to improve the delivery of procurement activity, including commissioning and contract management arrangements across the organisation.
1.2. The report provides an overview of progress that aligns with the Commissioning Modernisation Programme, including developments in governance, commercial capability, transparency and social value delivery.
1.3. The Council spends £393.7M (2026/27) of its annual revenue budget through externally commissioned services and supplies. Effective commissioning, procurement and contract management is therefore critical in ensuring value for money, supporting delivery of corporate priorities and securing positive outcomes for residents.
1.4. Over the last year, the Council has continued to develop a more strategic and commercially focused approach to commissioning and procurement. This has included strengthening how we identify the needs and requirements of the services commissioned, procurement oversight and governance, improving contract management arrangements and introducing enhanced planning processes and implementation of changes brought about by the Procurement Act 2023.
1.5. The work is being delivered through interconnected programmes and initiatives - the Commissioning Modernisation Programme, the Procurement Effectiveness Review, the development of category management