Archived decisions

1

Summary

1.1

The updated National Procurement Strategy for the Fire and Rescue Service 2008 - 2011(NPS) takes account of the developments and progress in implementing the original strategy since it was introduced in November 2005.

1.2

Communities and Local Government (CLG) circulated a consultation document seeking views on the revised NPS together with wider questions on the delivery of national procurement arising out of its recent review of Firebuy and the existing National Procurement Strategy. The consultation closed on 14 November 2008, and the response that was made is attached as Appendix A for the information of the Committee.

2

Recommendation

2.1

That the Service's response to the National Procurement Strategy for Fire and Rescue Services 2008/11 be noted.

3

Introduction

3.1

The National Procurement Strategy for the Fire and Rescue Service 2005-2008 was published in November 2005 setting a framework to support collaboration and efficiency in fire and rescue service procurement. The Secretary of State established a national body - Firebuy Ltd - to take forward the strategy.

3.2

The Strategy needed to be updated to reflect progress in implementing the original strategy and developments and changes that have taken place since it was first introduced.

3.3

A group convened by the Chief Fire Officers' Association (CFOA) National Procurement Board has been working with CLG on the proposed new strategy for 2008 - 2011. This group included representatives from CFOA, fire and rescue authorities, Association of Procurement Practitioners in the Fire Service, Local Government Association, Firebuy Ltd, Fire and Rescue Suppliers Association and Regional Centres for Excellence.

3.4

The consultation sought views on the NPS together with wider questions on the delivery of national procurement arising out of CLG's recent review of Firebuy and the existing National Procurement Strategy.

4

Consultation process

4.1

The consultation lasted 12 weeks and closed on 14 November 2008.

4.2

Hampshire's response was compiled by Procurement Manager, Paul Drake (in consultation with members of our internal Clothing and Uniform Committee), Wendy Lambert, Head of Financial and Office Services and other key members of staff involved in procurement.

4.3

The South East Fire Improvement Partnership (SEFIP) also put forward a South East Region response which was based upon key issues identified within the south east fire and rescue services' individual responses.

5

Key issues from the HFRS response

5.1

The purpose of the revised strategy is to create a procurement structure at national, regional and local levels that makes the best of opportunities to deliver efficiencies and improvements in the goods and services used for front-line service delivery.

5.2

We welcomed the strategy and made the following suggestions:

5.2.1

Authorities should not be compelled to use national contracts because this might put them in contravention of their standing orders on contracts and may result in best value not being achieved.

5.2.2

Firebuy, as the national procurement body should be responsible for the management of national contracts because, in general, individual Services do not have procurement staff with sufficient experience and skills. However, the governance model of Firebuy Ltd., should be reviewed to include greater representation from a wider range of authorities - currently the only representation is through CFOA and London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA).

5.2.3

Management charges are not a suitable means of funding for Firebuy since the comparison of a Firebuy framework contract with one from the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) - or that which we have at the local level with Hampshire County Council - would probably be uncompetitive on cost. In common with other national procurement organisations Firebuy should be centrally funded by CLG, and generate income.

5.2.4

Any strategies that streamline the procurement process and lessen the administrative burden are welcomed and OGC provides a `successful delivery toolkit' on its website which could be incorporated in the strategy: http://www.ogc.gov.uk/resource_toolkit.asp

5.3

The full response is attached as Appendix A.

6

Contribution to corporate aims and objectives

6.1

The National Procurement Strategy will support HFRS in achieving efficiency and excellence in our procurement function.

7

Risk Analysis

7.1

The updating of the NPS and clarification of the role of Firebuy will minimise risks associated with large value procurement contracts.

8

Resource implications

8.1

Human resources

Improvements in the procurement process will reduce the administrative burden throughout the organisation.

8.2

Physical resources

Streamlined procurement will ensure that HFRS has the equipment it needs as and when it is required.

8.3

Information and Communications Technology resources

HFRS is committed to taking full advantage of e-procurement opportunities.

8.4

Financial implications

HFRS will continue to seek value for money in its procurement activities.

9

People Impact Assessment

9.1

The NPS seeks to ensure that the principles of equality and diversity are embedded in all procurement processes.

9.2

The proposals within this report are considered compatible with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

10

Background information (Section 100D of Local Government Act 1972)

The following documents disclose the facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of the report:

The National Procurement Strategy has been informed by the following policy documents:

Transforming Government Procurement

http://www.ogc.gov.uk/who_we_are_tranforming_ogc_-_transforming_government_procurement.asp

National Improvement and Efficiency Strategy

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/efficiency

National Procurement Strategy for Local Government

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/efficiency

Fire and Rescue Service National Framework 2008-2011

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/nf200811consultation

Fire and Rescue Service Equality & Diversity Strategy 2008-2018

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/equalitydiversitystrategy

A Centre of Excellence for the FRS in England - Summary of Responses

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/centreofexcellence

The National Procurement Strategy for the Fire and Rescue Service 2008 - 2011: Consultation

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/nationalprocurefire

Note: The list excludes: (1) published works; and (2) documents that disclose exempt or confidential information defined in the Act.