Getting procurement right is central to the delivery process of a great construction scheme; so it makes sense to invest the time to learn about the best ways to make the right buying decisions via Value Wales workshops. 

Value Wales ran a series of National Procurement Service Regional events in July and is keen to share the learning from those workshops.

Sue Moffatt, Director of the NPS and Kerry Stephens, Acting Deputy Director of Value Wales opened the events. Kerry discussed the WPPS and designation powers for Value Wales and its changing structure and governance and Sue provided an update on the NPS and digital public services. You use this link: to access the supporting slides.

But here is also a brief summary of the breakout sessions:

• eTrading – This session focused on raising awareness of eTrading Wales and the new approach and support that was available for delivering the programme.  Attendees were invited to provide feedback and comment on the delivery approach and the service to help ensure Value Wales had full understanding of any potential barriers that would jeopardise programme delivery.

• What designation will mean for procurement in Wales? – This session focused on the new powers that came into force in August 2015 that will allow Welsh Ministers to regulate on procurement matters. The session looked in particular at the opportunities this could offer one of Wales key policies, Community Benefits.

• Engaging with the NPS – This session focused on how the NPS communicated with its stakeholders and the different channels that it uses to do so. Attendees were asked what the NPS did well and where they felt the NPS could be improved. The NPS have  their own dedicated newsletter where they have been updating their actions against the feedback received at the sessions. To sign up for their newsletter click here or see the supporting slides from this session.