A new procurement strategy aiming at better value for the £2 billion a year spend across the police service on goods and services is to be put in place.
Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) reports that the strategy sets out principles and targets for procurement that supports a collaborative approach between forces.
Dr David Horne, ACPO lead on procurement and Director of Resources for Sussex Police said:
“The police service has a strong record on harvesting efficiencies and increasing productivity, driven by the demands of a tight financial settlement and an expanding mission. Building on that record, procurement is an area in which ACPO is looking to further improve efficiencies.
“The strategy sets out targets around six clear principles: increasing further police procurement capacity and capability; securing further supplier competition and price leverage; shaping requirements and specifications; developing techniques and practices to reduce costs and risks; reducing procurement overheads and the costs of acquisition; and promoting sustainability and supporting diversity in procurement.”
“The service must make better use of what it has as its disposal now and look at what can be done in partnership with others. ACPO is committed to a collaborative approach supported by chief constables. Procurement teams will be active leaders in delivering this strategy nationally, regionally and locally.
“Benefits to the service can be made through procuring at a national and regional level through common specifications that address specific requirements of the police service.”
An example of the benefits that can be seen is the supply and fit of police vehicle tyres. A framework is due to be awarded in June, with approximately 125,000 tyres purchased with a spend of around £5.5m per annum. Comparisons show significant savings compared with current arrangements. Delivery of the strategy will be monitored by ACPO, with support from the National Police Improvement Agency. Monitoring of individual force’s procurement performance will continue to be undertaken by police authorities and through Audit Commission inspections.
