Foundations were laid for improving procurement performance and adopting a consistent approach to commercial activity across the Council through the Procurement Transformation project supported and endorsed by Executive and launched in 2005.  This organisational procurement strategy 2008 – 2011 will propel the project into a second phase that focuses razor sharp attention on value for money, positioning for the future and ensuring the people of Devon are at the heart of procurement activity.

The strategy incorporates three main themes:

• Theme 1:  ‘Culture, capacity and capability’

  focuses on building high performance through competence development, particularly around contract and supplier management and promoting a client focused procurement and commissioning culture that improves customer experience and reputation.

• Theme 2:   ‘Improving the way we do business’

  continues our mission to lower costs for the Council and our suppliers by maximising the amount of business done electronically; engaging in a structured supplier relationship management programme to secure even greater value and innovation in our business dealings with strategic suppliers; and, continuing the drive towards partnership and integrated working across organisational boundaries.

• Theme 3:  ‘Mainstreaming sustainable procurement’

  seeks to translate the sustainability agenda into reality within our commercial activities by adopting a lifecycle approach to procurement that encompasses positive social outcomes, community and economic benefits and takes account of environmental impact.

Throughout this document initiatives with targeted actions for the future are described that will contribute to the priorities within Devon County Council’s strategic plan, the Sustainable Community Strategy for Devon and the wider national targets for local government.  Links to the Devon priorities are demonstrated within the matrix at Appendix ‘B’ and the targets presented individually at theme level throughout this plan are consolidated into a single action plan at Appendix ‘C’.  

Success will require commitment from, and the support of, all officers and Members that influence procurement activity.  Outcomes will contribute to sustainable development and an increased value for money, citizen-centric procurement environment as well as the Council’s goal of organisational excellence within the assessment regime.

Use this link to view the document in full.  Corporate stategy for procurement performance 2008 - 2011 (3.81MB - pdf help)