Upcoming Members CPD Programme

NWUPC are delighted to announce that following requests from our membership we have decided to bring back our popular CPD Programme which will be provided as a member benefit and therefore free of charge to NWUPC members.    As the public procurement environment is on course for huge changes over the next twelve months with a new Public Procurement Act on it’s way it is vital that we have the support structure there for our members. This is intended as the foundation for us to ensure that NWUPC members have all the information and knowledge at their fingertips to help them navigate regulated procurement today and in the future.   We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to expand your professional skills, broaden your knowledge, and network with fellow NWUPC members. Our CPD sessions have received fantastic feedback in the past, and we are confident that this upcoming programme will deliver the same level of excellence. Please note that spaces are limited to 20 spaces per session, and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to secure your place promptly to avoid missing out on this exceptional professional development opportunity.

15^th February, 10:00 - 13:00– Reform of Regulated Procurement Law - All places now filled. 

This half-day course analyses the latest Procurement Bill, offering delegates insights into proposed reforms in Regulated Procurement Law. Covering procedures, open contracting, exclusions, selection, and award criteria, the course explores modifications to concluded contracts, changes to procurement tools, and the introduction of Dynamic Markets. Targeting procurement practitioners, contract managers, and operational stakeholders, it provides an understanding of the potential impact on future Public Procurement, emphasizing the government's vision to streamline processes, prioritize value for money, and create opportunities for businesses.

Full details about this event including agenda for the day can be found here.

28^th February, 10:00 - 13:00 – Contract Management - All places now filled. 

This course equips procurement practitioners and contract managers with essential knowledge for successful contract management. Focusing on key objectives and outcomes, it explores the entire contract management lifecycle, emphasizing the importance of establishing a robust process. Ideal for those overseeing contracts in various sectors, the course addresses the common issue of contracts being managed by non-specialized staff, offering tools, techniques, and processes to enhance proficiency and achieve optimal value.

Full details about this event including agenda for the day can be found here.

7^th March, 10:00 - 13:00 – Commercial Aspects for Procurement - All places now filled. 

This course is intended for Procurement practitioners and other stakeholders who wish to understand some of the basic commercial aspects concerned with the concept of cost, whole life costing and some of the internal and external factors that affect the cost of goods, works and services. The course also addresses the process and strategies for successful negotiation with suppliers.

Full details for the day can be found here.

28^th March, 10:00 - 13:00– Introduction to Terms and Conditions - All places now filled. 

This course empowers procurement practitioners and contract managers to proficiently assess and align contract terms with organizational policies. It emphasizes understanding the route and commercial agreement types to mitigate future risks and ensure legislative compliance. Tailored for those versed in commercial/procurement, the course equips participants to identify, scrutinize, and address crucial aspects of contracts, ensuring their relevance, completeness, and accuracy while resolving issues and risks for seamless contract conclusions. Ideal for professionals seeking in-depth contract knowledge.

Full details including agenda for the day can be found here.

10^th April, 10:00 - 13:00 – Negotiation in the Public Sector

This course is designed to provide delegates with a practical approach to negotiation in the Public Sector. Negotiation is a skill that demands the knowledge and application of effective negotiation theory and the use of the right tactics and techniques to deliver the best possible outcomes. The 2015 Public Contract Legislation now provides for three competitive procedures where negotiation between the contracting authority and tenderers is permitted. This course will enable delegates to understand the justification for these formal tendering procedures and the practical process that should be undertaken to ensure the procurement rules are not violated.

Full details for the day can be found here.

16^th April, 10:00 - 13:00 – Pre-Procurement Engagement - All places now filled. 

The Pre-Procurement Engagement course equips procurement practitioners, contract managers, and operational stakeholders with essential tools for establishing a solid foundation in pre-procurement engagement. Delving into compliance, market understanding, and stakeholder management, the course is suitable for newcomers and those seeking insights into the benefits and applications of pre-procurement engagement under evolving procurement rules.

Full details including agenda for the day can be found here.

Previous CPD Sessions

Contract Management Session

Date & Time: 5^th July 10:00 – 13:00

This course is designed to provide delegates with the knowledge to gain a clear understanding of the key drivers for successful contract management focusing on the key objectives, aspects and outcomes of contract management. The course will provide a detailed understanding of the contract management lifecycle and how to establish a robust contract management process. Contract management is often overlooked and under resourced, leading to failures in achieving the value and benefits that can be realised by proficient contract management.

Pre-Procurement Engagement Session

Date & Time: 6^th July – 10:00 -13:00

The Pre-Procurement Engagement course is designed to provide delegates with an understanding of the importance of pre-procurement engagement. The course addresses the requirements of undertaking pre-procurement engagement in order to establish a robust foundation for the chosen procedure, the benefits of understanding what the market has to offer, managing internal stakeholders involved in the process, and the compliant methods available to establish communications with suppliers.

Frameworks and DPS, Awarding Call-Off Contracts

Date & Time: 12^th July 10:00 – 13:00

The Frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) course is designed to provide delegates with an understanding of the requirements for awarding compliant frameworks agreements and DPSs. In addition, the regulatory requirements for using other authorities’ frameworks means clear understanding is needed not just of the buyer’s requirements but also of the restrictions of use associated with framework agreements established by other contracting bodies in order to reduce the risk of challenge.

Commercial Aspects for Procurement

Date & Time: 19^th July 10:00 – 13:00

This course is intended for Procurement practitioners and other stakeholders who wish to understand some of the basic commercial aspects concerned with the concept of cost, whole life costing and some of the internal and external factors that affect the cost of goods, works and services. The course also addresses the process and strategies for successful negotiation with suppliers.

Negotiation in the Public Sector

Date & Time: 20^th July 10:00 – 13:00

This course is designed to provide delegates with a practical approach to negotiation in the Public Sector. Negotiation is a skill that demands the knowledge and application of effective negotiation theory and the use of the right tactics and techniques to deliver the best possible outcomes. The 2015 Public Contract Legislation now provides for three competitive procedures where negotiation between the contracting authority and tenderers is permitted. This course will enable delegates to understand the justification for these formal tendering procedures and the practical process that should be undertaken to ensure the procurement rules are not violated.

Introduction to Regulated Procurement

Wednesday 26^th April 2023 - Full day course 

The course is designed to provide delegates with a clear and grounded understanding of the basics of regulated procurement legislation. The training identifies key issues that should be considered when undertaking any regulated procurement process, from identification of need and pre-procurement engagement to award and consequences of supplier challenge. This session is now fully booked. 

Specification Writing

Wednesday 3^rd May 2023 - Half day course 

Our practical course will equip delegates with the knowledge and tools to effectively design and draft appropriate specifications. Delegates will be able to draft specifications in a clear, complete and accurate manner and to evaluate when to use specifications that are performance based and market focused and when to use prescriptive specifications and standards without distorting competition and encouraging innovation. This session is now fully booked. 

Selection and Award & Tender Evaluation

Thursday 11^th May 2023 - Three quarter day course

At the end of the course delegates will have a greater understanding of the fundamental differences between the selection and award stages and how the rules imposed by the legislation may be applied compliantly and the risks involved. Delegates will be equipped with the skills, understanding and confidence to facilitate, and deliver a robust, compliant and effective evaluation. Delegates will understand the methodical approaches to evaluation, how to score and award to the Most Economical Advantageous Tender (MEAT). This session is now fully booked.