Public Procurement and Property

Scottish winners at the UK National GO Awards 2023

June 9, 2023 by Melissa Reilly No Comments | Category Go Awards National, Procurement news, UK National GO awards

The UK National GO Awards 2022/2023 took place on 1 June 2023, with a number of Scottish organisations shortlisted as finalists. These awards celebrate the very best procurement achievements from across the UK’s public, private and third sector organisations. Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners!

In our latest blog post, we hear from the Scottish organisations who celebrated success at the awards – and their top tips for organisations looking to future awards. The Scottish GO Awards entries are opening soon, subscribe to our blog to be first to hear!

University of Strathclyde picked up two awards on the night the GO Best Net Zero Initiative Award and Individual of the Year.

“The Strathclyde Procurement team are all delighted with the Team’s success in the UK National GO Awards. The team received finalist status in 4 categories and were deservedly recognised as overall winner in the first ever GO Best Net Zero Initiative Award. This project saw the team embed sustainability and corporate and social responsibility from concept to delivery, at feasibility stage to contract strategy and embedded within each contract. Continuing through the life of the building. The project itself delivered the biggest net zero contribution through the delivery of 67% embodied Co2 savings compared to a national new build equivalent, the carbon saved is equal to that used by 3,350 Scottish homes in one year.”

Fiona Hughes, Deputy Director of Finance, Procurement said “I was overwhelmed and proud to accept Individual of the Year after an amazing submission from the Strathclyde Procurement team, which captured 25 years of my career in Procurement describing my commitment to developing and mentoring others, involvement in helping shape Procurement across the whole of the Scottish Public Sector, Commitment to using the power of procurement to improve social, economic and environmental outcomes and leadership. I am very fortunate to have worked with so many amazing and supportive people during my procurement career and to have such a skilled and strong team.”

City of Edinburgh Council won the Best Infrastructure Project Award.

Hannah Ross, Senior Responsible Officer for the project from the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Trams to Newhaven team were delighted to be recognised at the GO Awards on 1 June. We worked hard at the start of the project to build a procurement strategy that would underpin the successful delivery of the project, across the procurement and project teams at the Council and together with our advisors. The relationships that were developed from the outset meant that all partners worked closely and constructively to manage the complex commercial, programme and reputational issues as they arose. The project helps deliver against the economic, social and environment aspirations of Edinburgh including promoting equality, reducing poverty and delivering a sustainable city. The introduction of a high capacity, reliable tram will sustainably serve one of the most densely populated parts of the city, improving connectivity to and from the waterfront, promote further economic development in Leith, helping to deliver more jobs and housing. In addition, enhanced public realm and cycling provision delivers on the city’s place making agenda.’

South Ayrshire Council won the Contract and Supplier Management Award. 

“To win a National GO Award and to see South Ayrshire Council’s logo amongst other national winners was very humbling, especially considering the status and quality of the other larger organisations within our category. The past couple of years have been challenging for most in the public sector and our processes and engagement with suppliers in recent times has helped not only resolve issues but build relationships with suppliers to benefit both sides. We would like to thank the judges for this award in the new Contract and Supplier Management category which has given the team some great recognition.”

Top tip on entering the awards: “Tell the judges the full story, explain succinctly the issue you were faced with, mention who were involved and who helped you plus don’t forget to give examples of what the real life outcomes were – a few, but only a few, statistics doesn’t hurt either”

Scotland Excel won the Collaborative procurement Award. 

Julie Welsh, Chief Executive of Scotland Excel, said: “The Energy Efficiency Contractors Framework (EEC) took collaboration to a new level by reaching out beyond the existing stakeholder group to engage experts, thought leaders and policy developers, to ensure an innovative approach to contract development. This level of collaboration continued after the framework went live – underpinned by our Energy Efficiency Conference and Expo ‘Building a Net Zero Scotland’. This recognition at UK level affirms the value the organisation brings to the public procurement landscape.”

BASE, Scottish Prison Service and Morrison Construction  picked up Highly Commended in the Social Value category.

Alistair Kerr (BASE) and Andy Door (Scottish Prison Service): “The accomplishment is an impressive realisation of the Collaboration between BASE Scotland, Scottish Prison Service Procurement & Morrison Construction being nominated at the National GO Awards. It builds on the Winning Nomination at Scotland GO Awards, Social Value Award. It has shone a positive spotlight on the art of the possible utilising Sustainable Procurement Duty’s to develop opportunities for Disabled People in our Local Communities in Scotland. A fantastic evidenced based Community Wealth Building example and true partnership between Public, Private and Third Sector Organisations that can be replicated and scaled to ensure Disabled People are not left behind. BASE Scotland are immensely proud of the nomination.

Top tip on entering the awards: “The awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work and the impact on the people you support. Regardless of size, scale or reach. It’s worth the effort. Be strong, brave and bold. Being shortlisted can be a positive and inspirational experience for all involved. Be proud of what has been achieved and strive for even greater achievements and ambitions.”

Jim Johnstone, Head of Communities & Social Impact at Morrison Construction said: “We are absolutely delighted to be Highly Commended and to see that this partnership has been recognised as delivering tangible benefits. This goes a long way to proving that the power of procurement has the opportunity in making a real difference to peoples lives and delivering a true impact.”

Top tip on entering the awards: “You don’t have to be rich , powerful or beautiful to make a difference to someone’s life . You just have to care and with the right partners working to create true social impact that makes a difference.”

ScotRail picked up Highly Commended in the Procurement Team of the Year category.

“We are extremely pleased and honoured to receive Highly Commended in the Procurement Team of the Year category. This recognition comes as an addition to our previous success at the Scottish GO Awards event in Autumn last year. The ScotRail team is thrilled to be recognised during our first year in the public sector for playing a pivotal role in the transition of ScotRail from private to public ownership. The role of Procurement role can often be overlooked in the successful delivery of projects, but the GO Awards provide an excellent platform to celebrate the excellence in procurement and promotes continuous development of the profession.”

Top tip on entering the awards: “Involve your team in writing the submission, as it is a brilliant way for everyone to reflect on your successes and challenges.”

For further information on public procurement in Scotland please visit www.gov.scot/procurement

Please email enquiries to scottishprocurement@gov.scot

Follow us online:

Tags: awards, Best practice, procurement news, UK National GO Awards

Comments