Procurement strategy and efficiency

The following conference papers and presentations are now available for download:

• Conference flyer
• Presentation by Steve Trueman, Director of Procurement & New Ventures, The Housing Corporation
• Presentation by Andrew Millross, Anthony Collins Solicitors (author of the NHF EU Procurement Guide)
• Presentation by Julie Craig, Director, Procurement for Housing
• Presentation by Jacky Kutner, Group Director of Business Services, East Thames Group, and Buy4London Board Member.
• Presentation by Ian Gregg, Group Head of Property Services, Regenda Group, and Fusion 21 Board Member.
• Presentation by Kevin Grainger, Group Director of Procurement, Home Group .
• Presentation by Richard Broomfield, Campbell Tickell.

If you have any questions or would like advice on any of the issues raised in these presentations, please contact either Greg Campbell on 020 8830 6777, . or Andrew Millross on 0121 212 7473, .

Conference background

Housing associations are under greater pressure than ever to bring costs under control and achieve better value for money. The pressure comes from a number of sources: from central Government in the wake of the Gershon Review; from the Housing Corporation with its Operating Costs Index and Annual Efficiency Statements; and from the Audit Commission, which now inspects associations on Value For Money. While many associations have long been committed to the principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness, it is often hard to align principles with practice.

Effective procurement is a key tool for maximising outputs while minimising resource inputs. Commissioning and purchasing goods, works and services of all kinds, should be governed by a comprehensive procurement strategy that links directly into the association's corporate strategy. RSLs are now classed as ‘contracting authorities', and so have to carry out their purchasing in line with the EU Public Procurement Rules. Many associations are now involved in purchasing clubs.

This one-day conference for housing association Chief Executives, Directors and senior managers was designed to help delegates make the right strategic decisions when planning their procurement policies. It looked in depth at a number of areas which have a particular impact on RSLs, and included an overview of the new Public Contracts Regulations. The conference looked at joint procurement in detail, with contributions from speakers from Procurement for Housing, Fusion 21, and Buy4London.

The conference tackled a number of key areas, including:
• How to develop a procurement strategy
• Using effective procurement to deliver efficiency savings
• What the Housing Corporation expects of RSLs
• The benefits of joint procurement
• The changes made by the new EU Procurement Regulations
• The new tighter rules for group structures
• Procurement and partnering.