Public procurement is subject to a legal framework which encourages free and open competition and value for money, in line with internationally and nationally agreed obligations and regulations.

Arfon Consulting’s procurement team offer a central role in key areas of procurement policy and governance activity by:

• supporting the procurement of works, services and supplies with overall responsibility for managing the various stages of the procurement process from the development of the procurement strategy to contract award and implementation

• seeking collaborative procurement opportunities

• supporting continuous improvement in all areas of procurement practice, improving procurement capability and ensuring that procurement activity is conducted to the highest standard

• working with the wider procurement and commercial community to develop, share and promote best practice

• preparing and communicating sources of guidance on procurement practice, including UK central government and Devolved Administration procurement policy notes (PPNs)

• developing and maintaining close links with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders through liaison on matters of common interest, including engaging with suppliers to stimulate interest in a client’s contract opportunities with the aim of achieving healthy competition and best value for money

• supporting delivery of infrastructure programmes and the procurement aspects of other activities and targets

• providing advice and support to delegated purchasing authority holders

• participating in sharing knowledge and best practice through involvement with The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)

• establishing and maintaining internal procurement governance processes and records and overseeing compliance with best practice and CIPS Global Standard for Procurement and Supply

• identifying procurement training needs and organising training for delegated purchasing authority holders and those actively involved in procurement activities to ensure their knowledge and skills are fit for purpose