August 2006/33
Policy development
Summary of issues
Comments should be sent to HEFCE by 27 October 2006
Procurement in higher education - a time of change
Summary of issues for senior managers
This document summarises issues for the development and strategic management of procurement in the higher education sector. It has been developed by Proc-HE, the sector procurement body, in consultation with representatives from universities and colleges. It accompanies a more detailed report on the web (HEFCE 2006/33a) in which we invite comments on and proposals for the way forward. The full report also provides a checklist of good practice.
| To: | Heads of HEFCE-funded higher education institutions |
| Of interest to those responsible for: | Strategic planning, Finance, Procurement |
| Reference: | 2006/33 |
| Publication date: | August 2006 |
| Enquiries to: | Stephen Butcher tel 0117 931 7425 e-mail s.butcher@hefce.ac.uk |
Executive summary (read on-line)
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Executive summary
Purpose
1. This document summarises issues for the development and strategic management of procurement in the higher education sector. It has been developed by Proc-HE, the sector procurement body, in consultation with representatives from universities and colleges. It accompanies a more detailed report on the web (HEFCE 2006/33a) in which we invite comments on and proposals for the way forward. The full report also provides a checklist of good practice.
Key points
2. Better procurement has the potential to deliver significant efficiencies, releasing resources for institutions to use for their core activities of teaching and research.
3. There have been many developments in procurement over the last decade. They include increased professionalism and skills of staff, more use of new technology, more collaboration, and a greater variety of contractual arrangements.
4. There is now an opportunity for the sector to move to a more inclusive model of procurement, in which it is recognised as a key business process for institutions, and is based on strategic, collaborative processes and knowledge-sharing for the benefit of all.
5. This document suggests that improvements will only be possible if individual institutions take a positive strategic approach, and the sector collectively takes a more active role in promoting and managing procurement.
Action required
6. We welcome comments and proposals on the development and strategic management of procurement in higher education, in particular to the questions set out in the full report. All responses should be returned to HEFCE by 27 October 2006.