How Can We Save Money?
A Department for Education guide
to help your school save money
Government White Paper (point 8.23)
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It is important that schools should be able to make savings on procurement
and back office spend in order to invest resources in teaching and learning.
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The Spending Review announcement said that schools should be able to
save at least £1 billion in these areas by 2014–15.
To assist in this we will
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signpost best deals
provide financial and procurement information and tools
work with schools and partners to improve procurement practice
With this help schools should achieve:
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financial savings
carbon reductions via energy savings
BuyWays
 http://www.buyways.co.uk
 This is the DfE’s procurement e-learning system which can
be used as an introduction for school staff new to a
purchasing role or as a handy refresher for more
experienced buyers.
 All schools users can access BuyWays free of charge
Assess your spend
 Value for money self-assessment tool http://www.schoolresources.audit-commission.gov.uk/
 Keep a log of your contract expiry dates – this will help you
to plan future spend
 Benchmark https://sfb.teachernet.gov.uk/Login.aspx
 Talk to other schools – collaborate
Department for Education information
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A variety of procurement information and good practice for
School Business Managers:
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http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/procurement
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Admin & Finance – Procurement
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Leadership and Governance
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Initiatives and Tools
Helpful organisations
Pro5, other Public Sector Buying Organisations (PSBOs)
and Buying Solutions, can:
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Help schools achieve best value
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Provide framework contracts which have been procured professionally
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Offer links to thousands of suppliers
www.buyingsolutions.gov.uk
www.pro5.org
The Pro5
www.pro5.org
Eastern Shires
Purchasing Organisation
(ESPO)
www.espo.org
www.espodirectdealing.org
Framework Contracts
Energy
ICT
Central Buying Consortium
(CBC)
http://www.cbconline.org.uk/
The largest local authority purchasing
consortium in the UK which is made
up of 17 LAs.
West Mercia Supplies (WMS)
http://www.westmerciasupplies.co.uk/
Multi-Functional Device Advice
Utilities Advice
Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation
(YPO)
www.ypo.co.uk
Contracts
Sustainability
Energy
North Eastern Purchasing
Organisation
(NEPO)
http://www.nepoportal.org/
Ensure your procurement is SUPERB
Seek advice from your Local Authority
Use pre-existing frameworks and contracts set up by PSBOs or your LA
Pay only for what you have specifically ordered and that has been delivered
Extra care needs to be taken with leases – know the difference between
operating and finance leases, especially with MFDs and check every lease
with your LA before signing
Remember, never sign any incomplete agreement
Be familiar with, and never breach, the Financial Regulations in your LA and
remember that for purchases with a value above the EU thresholds you
must use the OJEU tendering process.
Other useful links
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www.direct.gov.uk - the official UK government website for citizens
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http://www.cpc.salford.ac.uk/ - the further education purchasing consortium
which can be used for sixth form expenditure.
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www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=1589595 - This procurement
management resource on the LG Improvement and Development website has
been designed specifically to meet the needs of the local government
procurement community. It contains a range of guidance and good practice on all
aspects of procurement.
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www.procurexnational.co.uk - Procurex National 2011, which takes place on 8-9
March 2011, is one of the UK’s leading events designed specifically for
professionals engaged directly in or associated with procurement from both the
public and private sectors. It is free to attend and will feature over 60 training
workshops, conference speakers and over 100 exhibitors.
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www.publicprocurementshow.com - The Public Procurement Show, on 14-15
June 2011 at the EXCel, London is free. It provides visitors with a educational
seminars, conference features and suppliers.
Thank you
Any questions?
Email address