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The role OGCbuying.solutions will play

By OGCbuying.solutions

Chief Executive Alison Littley has outlined her view of the role OGCbuying.solutions will play in the future as public sector procurement continues to evolve and change.

A photograph of OGCbuying.solutions Chief Executive Alison Littley

Alison Littley

“As we all know, fundamental change within public sector procurement is now centre stage on the political agenda.

“Government sees effective procurement as key to delivery of public policy, offering massive potential for greatly increased savings... to be ploughed back into frontline services.

“The Transforming Government Procurement report in January unveiled a range of radical reforms to equip Britain with the capability to deliver world-class public services in the face of the growing challenges of global competition, changing demographics and increasing pressures on the environment.

“Together, we have a unique opportunity to play a crucial role in the country's future success.

“Everything is underpinned by the theme of collaboration, a “joined up” approach to procurement aimed at generating the best financial returns for the taxpayer.

“The Government expects departments to stop duplicating procurement activity.

“It is simply not efficient for them to be awarding their own contracts and agreements in a fragmented way when pooling demand across the public sector in a “joined up” manner would generate far greater savings in price, process and resource.

“Buying Solutions will work closely with OGC and departments to support this pan Government, collaborative way forward in procurement.

“And by introducing a category management approach, we will develop, implement and sustain best practice in all our activity.

“But I'm not just talking about internal collaboration with OGC.

“Fundamental to our success will be much closer collaboration with customers and more effective engagement with suppliers to deliver real, bottom, line savings and efficiencies.

“Buying Solutions expects to meet its challenging, Government-set savings targets through innovative business methods, increased effectiveness and efficiency, higher skill and expertise levels, better management of services, improved communication and greater emphasis on sustainability.

“As many of you will know, we have just embarked on a three-year change strategy in which the organisation is fundamentally reviewing what it offers and how it conducts its business.

“But be assured.

“Customer-focus will always be at the forefront of our minds as we move forward.

“Key benefits for our thousands of customers will be:

  • Greater savings
  • A much more comprehensive service
  • Enhanced in-house expertise
  • Intensive customer consultation
  • And increased and improved management information

“And our suppliers will benefit too.

From:

  • Reduced costs in dealing with the public sector
  • Much closer relationships with the whole supply change
  • And improved consultation and communication

“But there will be no sudden changes.

“The evolutionary process is expected to take up to two years to complete, and when changes are implemented, in a phased and structured way, they will always be preceded by appropriate consultation with key stakeholders.

“So until you hear otherwise, its business as usual from Buying Solutions–right across the public sector.”

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