Public Procurement and Property

Updated Procurement Policy Handbook

May 7, 2024 by Teigan Kelly No Comments | Category Best practice, Procurement news, Scottish Procurement, Sustainability

Today marks the publication of the updated Procurement Policy Handbook, which replaces the previous Handbook published in 2008. The refresh reflects changes to the procurement policy landscape in Scotland.

The Handbook has been developed in collaboration with stakeholders from across the Scottish public procurement landscape as well as policy experts within the Scottish Government.

The refreshed Handbook provides guidance on the rules and policies relevant to public procurement activity in Scotland and is applicable to all Scottish public bodies. The Handbook should be read in conjunction with Scottish Procurement Policy Notes, legislation, guidance and other supporting documents, such as the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM).

The guidance set out in the Handbook highlights some key legal obligations and considerations and is designed to ensure that procurement activity is:

• focused on the delivery of Value for Money (VfM) for public funds
• conducted to the highest professional standards and to the relevant legal requirements
• conducted by appropriately trained and authorised staff to minimise the risk of legal challenge to public bodies
• accountable, with strong governance practices in place
• open and transparent

This will help to ensure the greatest benefits are gained and that sustainability is embedded, and proportionately applied to, all procurement decisions and activities.

Having the correct procurement arrangements in place can, among other things, help a public body to achieve best value as well as focus on good governance and effective management of resources while achieving the best possible outcomes.

Please take the time to read and familiarise yourself with the updated Procurement Policy Handbook.

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

Please email enquiries to scottishprocurement@gov.scot

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Tags: Public procurement, public sector, sustainable procurement

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