Construction needs to react and add detail to the Welsh Procurement Policy.

Jane Hutt, AM, Minister for Finance and Leader of the House issued the Wales Procurement Policy Statement last week, clearly setting out the practices and the specific actions that will be required of every public sector organisation in Wales - namely Local Authorities, the NHS, Education, Fire and Rescue and Welsh Government Sponsored Bodies.

The minister gave a clear message to anyone procuring construction services across Wales, that as well as processing efficiently, they must also deliver added value to our communities through local employment, training and supply chain opportunities. Further detail is being developed by the Value Wales Procurement Steering Group whose strategy will be launched shortly. This means that now is the time for the construction industry to get behind the drive for an agreed policy on collaborative procurement in construction and not just in the public sector, but across the private sector as well.

It’s worth noting that n the accompanying written statement the Jane Hutt said: “I do not consider adoption of this Statement’s policies to be optional and the potential of legislating to ensure the progress the Welsh economy and public services require is being considered.”

The full text of the Minister’s statement and the Wales Procurement Policy can be found on the Welsh Government website. Meanwhile, if you have any comments to make or want to help refine the Construction Procurement Strategy do let us know.