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Procurement News
Travel Workshop
The presentation from this weeks Travel Workshop is now available at: http://www.nwce.gov.uk/view_event.php?id=50.
Postal Update
Following the postal workshop last month a number of councils have now submitted their volume profiles and have confirmed a willingness to move this initiative forward. We are currently working with OGC on a way forward and expect to plan available shortly. If you would like to be involved and have yet to express an interest then please email neil.hind@hind.co.uk.
Portal Evaluation
The portal project has now short listed 3 potential suppliers. These suppliers have been invited to present their solutions on Tuesday 23rd January. If you would like further details then please email neil.hind@hind.co.uk. It is expected that a preferred supplier will be appointed at month end.
Framework of the Week
We are introducing a “framework of the week” to help councils identify frameworks or agreements they may wish to utilise. If you have a good framework you would like to promote then please send us details. This weeks is the OGC.buyingsolutions Travel Framework.
This framework covers air, ferry, hotels, rail, conference facilities and vehicle hire (self drive). Three suppliers are available for each category with further competition available for you to finalise your requirements. Highlights of the framework include: web self service, lone female priorities, traveller profiles, up to 9% rebates and a benchmarked saving of over 5% when compared to previous central government arrangements. There is also the possibility of funding or part funding for onsite ticket machines for large users.
Details can be found at http://www.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk/travel/travel.asp or by emailing Lesley.Tyrer@ogcbs.gsi.gov.uk
Service Transformation through Partnership Event - 18.01.2007
Shared Services News
Thank you to all of those who weathered the storms yesterday to attend this event - which was very well received. Feedback so far has been excellent and documentation from the date will (where possible) be shared in next week's update.
Hope all of you managed to make it home safely and without too problematic a journey, given the extreme weather conditions.
National News
LGC Awards Shortlist 2007
Several North West authorities have been short-listed for the prestigious LGC Awards - the national awards for local government. These awards are recognised across the sector as the mark of excellence, rewarding teams for the difference they are making in their communities.
The short-listed entries wil be invited to attend the gala evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 12th March 2007, where the winners will be announced.
Shortlisted authorities from the North West are:
Council of the Year Award
Halton BC
Most Improved Council of the Year Award
Oldham MBC
Salford CC
West Lancashire DC
Community Involvement Award
Lancashire CC
Environment Award
Bury MBC
Liverpool CC
Finance Team Award
Salford CC
Vale Royal BC
Innovation Award
Lancashire CC
IT & eGovernment Award
West Lancashire DC
Legal Award
Bury MBC
Local Strategic Partnership Award
The Oldham Partnership
People Management Award
Salford CC
Public / Private Partnership Award
Burnley BC
Regeneration Award
Fylde BC
Congratulations to all short-listed councils! For further information please click here.
South West E-auctions produce £14m in cashable savings
Public sector organisations in the South West, West Midlands and South East are set to realise almost £14m in cashable savings by 2010 as a result of e-auctions held in the South West.
Recent auctions supported by the South West Centre of Excellence, for agency staff, wheeled bins, stationery/paper, and protective gloves have involved 28 local authorities as well as 6 NHS organisations and one police authority. The full news release can be downloaded here South West e-auctions (PDF, 2 pages, 35KB)
EVENTS
NWeGG North West Project and Programme Managers Meeting
01.02.2007, 9.30am for 10am start at Wigan Investment Centre
This is a regular seminar / workshop event for North West Local Authority Project and Programme Managers. The main focus on this session will be Benefits Management, with a mini-masterclass being provided by known industry expert Gerald Bradley.
Given the pressures on councils to realise efficiency gains and the number of councils expressing an interested in this topic, a good understanding of this area is a real must.
Also speaking will be Dominic Keegan, Partner at Manchester based law firm Pannone who will be helping those attending to get the legal issues surrounding large projects right. This is another area clearly linked to realising the benefits of any project work.
There will also be a status update on the NW PPM Centre project.
This working group enables Project and Programme Managers in local government to come together, share best practice, discuss common issues and understand the resources and services available to support them.
Every session is open to any public sector employee however there is a charge for non-NWeGG members.
To view the flyer and to reserve your place please click here.
IEMA Accredited Sustainable Procurement Training Session
Rheged, Penrith, Cumbria - 01.02.2007
We are pleased to extend an invitation to an IEMA accredited sustainable procurement training session taking place at Rheged, Penrith, Cumbria, on 1st February. Please also forward this invitation to the appropriate Officers and Members of districts in your area or within your own organisation.
The training session, delivered by the Sustainable Procurement Task Force's Project Manager, Barbara Morton, lasts a full day and would normally cost around £350 per delegate. However, on behalf of funders and partners of Envirolink's Remade Northwest project, we have been able to secure 15 FREE places at this event.
For further information please click here.
Delivering Efficiency and Value for Money -
A 4Ps programme for senior managers in the North West
21.02.2007 - Cheshire Conference Centre, Stockport
22.02.2007 - Holiday Inn South, Chester
The North West Centre of Excellence has organised for 4Ps to deliver two one-day workshops for Senior Managers across the region on 21st and 22nd February 2007.
The programme will enable senior managers across the region to understand the implications of their Annual Efficiency Statements and the new CRA regime's emphasis on value for money. It is designed to help authorities better succeed in delivering efficiencies and evidencing how they provide and manage value for money.
These courses are offered at the subsidised rate of £50 plus VAT.
To view full event details and to reserve your place please use the links below:
21.02.2007 - Cheshire Conference Centre, Stockport
22.02.2007 - Holiday Inn South, Chester
Places are limited so please reserve your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.