The problem: Navigating procurement complexities without a dedicated team
Brighter Places was grappling with certain procurement challenges. Without a centralised procurement function, procurement activities have been devolved to individual operational departments and teams, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies. The organisation was unsure if its current practices and processes complied with existing public procurement regulations, creating a risk of non-compliance. Additionally, there was a looming uncertainty about the impact of the incoming Procurement Act 2023 on their operations. Brighter Places needed expert guidance to understand the new regulations and to identify and address any gaps in their current procurement practices. They also required specialist advice on the necessary skillsets to ensure future compliance and operational efficiency.
The solution: Procurement Act 2023 Readiness Assessment
To help Brighter Places prepare for the Procurement Act 2023, we used our consultancy service to conduct a thorough Readiness Assessment. This entailed:
Conducting an end-to-end review of current procurement processes and procedures, as well as supplier and contract management practices
Evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of current procurement governance, controls, processes, and procedures
Reviewing the systems in place to support key processes within procurement, contract management, and supplier payment
Assessing the procurement and contract management skills and capabilities across the organisation
Completing a gap analysis between current practices and future legislative requirements
Preparing a comprehensive report with findings, actionable recommendations, and an Action Plan to support the implementation of proposed recommendations.
The results
Our assessment highlighted several critical areas requiring Brighter Places’ immediate attention to ensure future compliance with the new Procurement Act 2023. Our evaluation provided a clear understanding of the necessary steps to address the identified gaps. The Action Plan provided a roadmap outlining the recommended sequence of actions to ensure timely and effective implementation of the proposed recommendations. Brighter Places’ team reaped the benefits of:
Enhanced understanding of the requirements for the new Procurement Act 2023, enabling timely preparation and ensuring compliance and minimising risks
Enhanced understanding of the gaps within procurement and contract management governance, controls and systems, and respective action plan to enable more efficient and effective procurement processes
Clear roadmap and options available for addressing procurement and contract management skills gap and strengthen capabilities within the organisation
Clear roadmap for addressing compliance gaps and implementing best practices
Testimonial
“Working with Inprova and their consultancy team has been a valuable experience for Brighter Places. Their comprehensive assessment and actionable recommendations have significantly improved our understanding of Brighter Places’ current position with respect to procurement and contract management practices and areas requiring attention, so we are fully prepared for the new Procurement Act 2023. We highly recommend their services to any organisation looking to strengthen their procurement function and ensure compliance with upcoming regulations.”
Grant Giles, Finance Director, Brighter Places