Contact: Phil Samms, ext 7072 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources approves the procurement initiatives proposed to be taken forward by the Environment Department.

1.2 The proposed initiatives include:

(i) packaging of schemes at an early stage in scheme development, either by geography or work type, to identify financial advantage from larger contracts;

(ii) renewal of the Professional Services Contract to encourage more collaborative working and provide enhanced performance;

(iii) consideration of combining term contracts beyond 2008;

(iv) enhanced performance management through improved monitoring and feedback;

(v) further improvements to Best Value and whole life cost assessments;

(vi) Value Management to provide improvements to joint processes with partners and stakeholders;

(vii) increase in e-Procurement practices, using developing technology;

(viii) increased use of Early Contractor Involvement, gaining the benefits of earlier input from construction professionals; and

(ix) continued movement towards sustainable procurement, including the encouragement of others within the market sector to sign up to this important commitment.

2. Reason

2.1 The key objectives of the Constructing Excellence (formerly Rethinking Construction) are to improve the quality and efficiency of construction and provide value for money, recruit and retain a skilled workforce; and to promote sustainability. These objectives significantly contribute towards:

(i) Aim 2, Stewardship of the Environment - by considering whole life costs, and working closely with partners to eliminate waste, with the aim to develop more sustainable solutions;

(ii) Aim 3, Achieving Economic Prosperity - encouraging and developing the use of local resources which contributes to the local economy and leads to greater prosperity;

(iii) Aim 5, Improving Services - the new arrangements involve closer working and collaboration with the industry which is instrumental in driving continuous improvement into County Council services; and

(iv) Aim 6, Developing councillors and staff - by developing procurement skills and competencies of staff.

2.2 The Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management recommends these initiatives.

2.3 On 13 October 2005 the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel recommended these initiatives.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Taking no action.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: ................................... Date: ..............................

Councillor T K Thornber

350/PS Decn