What is changing?
A new set of procurement regulations are being introduced to replace those currently in place. The new regulations will be known as the ‘Procurement Act 2023’. It is envisaged that the new Regulations will apply from around October 2024, although this is still to be confirmed. The new Regulations will change how public procurement is carried out to improve the way supplies, services and works are procured for the public sector.
Helpful resources for suppliers
- The key benefits of the new Procurement Act 2023 for suppliers are available within a short guide (external link) on GOV.UK
- Videos/animations (external link) explaining the new Procurement Act are also available for:
- Suppliers
- Suppliers classed as Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME’s) and Voluntary and Community Sector Enterprises (VCSE’s).
- There are a series of Knowledge Drops for suppliers and SME’s/VCSE’s which are designed to provide a high-level overview of the changes to the regulations.
- There are 3 Knowledge Drops for Suppliers and 3 Knowledge Drops for SME’s/VCSE’s covering a variety of topics. Topics covered include the new Central Digital Platform, Early Market Engagement, changes to procurement procedures, new Open Frameworks and Dynamic Markets, commitments around prompt supplier payment and the Act’s transparency ambition and notice publication requirements, amongst other areas.
The new ‘Central Digital Platform’
This will be used by public-sector bodies to publish details of new procurement opportunities. This has not yet been introduced, but it is intended that this will be accessed via the ‘Find a Tender’ website on GOV.UK.
It will be a single place for suppliers to register and upload key business information typically asked by Wigan Council and other public-sector bodies. Features will include reduced duplication and resources used to tender, and the ability to set up custom searches and receive alerts. It will be free to access. Suppliers will need to keep their details up to date.
The Central Digital Platform will be where Wigan Council (and other public sector bodies) publish the range of notices relating to a tender/contract.
Please note that Wigan Council will still use The Chest procurement portal to advertise its notices, receive bids from suppliers and manage its procurement activities; the Central Digital Platform will be an additional website where notices will also be published.
How can suppliers prepare for the new regulations?
You should seek to understand the main changes (refer to the links on this sheet), register/submit your business information on the Central Digital Platform when this becomes available, review our pipelines and identify how your organisation can contribute to national and local procurement priorities and Social Value objectives (such as job creation, upskilling of the workforce and net carbon zero). You can also our Community Wealth Building webpage for further information.
Where can suppliers obtain more information?
You will find most of the information summarised on the Transforming Public Procurement webpage on GOV.UK, where suppliers can check for regular updates. You can receive regular updates by signing up to the mailing list.