Issue - meetings

There will be a presentation at the meeting. Copies of the slides are attached.

Tim Richens, Divisional Director Business Support gave a presentation to the Panel on ‘Council Procurement’ (a full copy of the presentation slides is on the website and available in the minute book for the Panel). The presentation covered the following:

·  Procurement Update

·  Objective

·  Support Services – Target Operating Model – Procurement

·  Traditional Cycle

·  Resourcing

·  New Intranet Site

·  Continuing Improvement

·  Principles

·  Desired Outcomes

·  Provisional ‘Think Local’ Dashboard

·  Shared Services

·  Opportunities for Sharing

The Divisional Director explained that the ‘Think Local’ strategy had been launched a year ago and that this item is an update.

Panel members asked the following questions and made the following points:

Councillor Barrett asked about the criteria set and the officer explained that there is a range of criteria including social value and locality. He explained that value for money is still the driving force. He explained that a panel assess contracts based on a set of criteria. Councillor Macrae stated that the public would expect an objective assessment and a transparent decision. The officer explained the e-procurement system and that both assessment criteria and results are published.

Councillor Barrett asked about consultants and agency staff. The officer explained that there is a standard council wide contract with Comensura for agency staff.

Councillor Barrett asked if the Council saves as much as is spent on the team. The officer pointed to other benefits such as social and environmental value and gave an example – in the contract regarding the Keynsham building project, Willmott Dixon committed to use local sub-contractors and local materials.

Councillor Bellotti stated that he had brought this strategy of ‘Think Local’ back to the Panel to report on progress. He explained that results showed a modest improvement which is a good start. He gave some examples of the benefits of ‘Think Local’ which are that local goods reduce mileage and provide local jobs which helps the local economy.

Councillor Bull stated that he supported the policy as he feels it is good for local employment and the local area.

Councillor Symonds explained that this policy had seen progress already and it is also about the Council setting a good example of valuing people and workers in the area.