Corporate Procurement

Procurement Strategy

Procurement Principles (The Barking and Dagenham 12)

12.1 Accountability

There must be in place effective mechanisms to ensure that there is compliance with the policy and principles of procurement and all related legislation. Officers will be accountable for their actions.

12.2 Best Value

Procurement will be exercised at all times in the spirit of 'Best Value' to achieve the most economic, effective, efficient, equitable and sustainable solution to the organisation's requirements in terms of resource and service need across the whole council.

12.3 Culture

There will be demonstrable leadership in procurement and a culture of 'what works best is best' from Members and Senior Management which will be fed down through the organisation.

12.4 Fair Dealing

Suppliers should be treated fairly and without unfair discrimination, including protection of commercial confidentiality where required. We will not impose unnecessary burdens or constraints on suppliers or potential suppliers.

12.5 Innovation

We are open to innovation in procurement, including E-Procurement as a positive tool for improving efficiency and practice in the field and suppliers will be encouraged to consider more environmentally friendly specifications.

12.6 Legality

We will conform explicitly to European Community, UK and other legal requirements.

12.7 Partnerships

Partnership arrangements in general, and the Egan principles of 'Rethinking Construction' specifically, will be encouraged and developed where they are beneficial to us and the community at large.

12.8 Performance

High levels of efficiency and effectiveness in procurement are essential and will be measured, reported and acted upon. We are committed to minimising the environmental impact of our operations and will assess the environmental risks in significant purchases and contracts.

12.9 Responsiveness

We will endeavour to meet the aspirations, expectations and diverse needs of the community served by the procurement at all times.

12.10 Skills

All staff with a responsibility for procurement will be appropriately trained and supported. Sufficient resources will be made available to ensure achievement of this policy.

12.11 Transparency

Procurement policy and activity will be delivered fairly and transparently at all times.

12.12 Workforce

We expect that all suppliers with whom we have a contractual relationship will operate the highest standards of employment practices, including in the area of equalities, particularly where staff may transfer as a result of service outsourcing.

Contact

Corporate Procurement

Civic Centre

Rainham Road North

Dagenham

RM10 7BN

Tel: 020 8227 5234

Fax: 020 8227 5261

Email: corporate.procurement@lbbd.gov.uk|