Upcoming Members CPD Programme

We are thrilled to announce that NWUPC is continuing its commitment to professional development by offering another round of our highly popular Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions. As a valued member of NWUPC, we are pleased to inform you that this CPD Programme will be provided to you as a special membership benefit, completely free of charge. In collaboration with Achilles, we have designed a series of engaging CPD sessions that will help enhance your professional skills and knowledge. These sessions will be delivered online, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your own workspace. We believe this format offers convenience and accessibility for all our members.  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.

All sessions are to be delivered online.

Contract Management Session

Date & Time: 5^th July 10:00 – 13:00

Register here - SOLD OUT

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

Register here - SOLD OUT

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

Register here

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

Register here

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

Register here

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.

Previous CPD Sessions

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.