Strategy

Procurement in Bracknell Forest Council

Many of the Council’s services are provided directly to residents by contracted suppliers, through partnerships or by the Voluntary Sector. Other organisations contribute by supporting services provided by the Council’s own staff. Procurement is therefore core to achieving the Council’s objectives. The Council published its first Procurement Strategy in 2003. The current PDF Procurement Strategy 2009 to 2011 (192kb) builds on the foundations laid in that document.

Procurement Vision

In support of Government strategies and recognising the requirements of the Council’s medium term objectives, the following vision has been developed and is applicable to all Officers involved in the procurement process:

We will:-

Deliver high quality services to the Bracknell Forest community by using professional procurement practices to obtain best value for money whilst considering social benefits.

The Corporate Procurement Team will provide guidance on the procurement process through internal consultancy services, intranet advice, training and monitoring.

Procurement directly supports the Council’s objective to be accountable and provide excellent value for money, and indirectly supports the following objectives:

To build a vibrant Bracknell town centre that residents and businesses are proud of
Keep Bracknell Forest clean and green
To improve the outcomes for children and families through the Children and Young People’s Plan
To promote the Borough’s economic activity and potential.

Core Objectives

Officers will:-

Use Professional Procurement practices:

Comply with the Council’s Code of Conduct
Ensure that procured goods and services meet minimum labour and human rights
Consult with service users, external organisations, members and internal customers as appropriate
Consider the use of appropriate e-Procurement tools
Ensure major contracts are owned by a named Officer and carefully managed
Seek guidance and training from the Corporate Procurement Team and Legal Services.

Obtain best Value for Money:

Achieve cashable and non-cashable savings
Consider collaborative procurement solutions
Encourage organisations to offer innovative solutions
Consider risk as part of the procurement process, particularly for larger or specialist purchases

Consider Social Benefits:

Ensure equality in procurement
Consider sustainability as part of the procurement process
Comply with the Small Business Concordat Good Practice Guide, whenever practical
Comply with the Bracknell Forest Voluntary Sector Compact - Code of Practice on Procurement

Full details on implementation can be found in the PDF Procurement Strategy 2009 to 2011 (192kb) document.