The Transforming Public Procurement programme is changing the way supplies, services and works are procured for the public sector, for the better.
The programme has delivered the Procurement Act 2023. This is legislation designed to overhaul the current government procurement processes. This is so that every pound goes further for communities, as well as public services. It reforms the UK’s public procurement regime to:
- create a simpler and more flexible commercial system. One that better meets our country’s needs. While remaining compliant with our international obligations
- open up public procurement to new entrants. Including small businesses and social enterprises. This is so that they can compete for and win more public contracts
- embed transparency throughout the commercial lifecycle. This is so the spending of taxpayers’ money can be properly scrutinised.
In a nutshell, the Act focuses on simplifying public procurement for public benefit. As well as for transparency, scrutiny and value for money.
The Act is due to go live on 24 February 2025. The Act will impact all Network Rail commercial and procurement activity.
How suppliers may see Network Rail do things differently
Network Rail are preparing to revise their commercial and procurement activity in line with the proposed reforms in the Procurement Act 2023. There will be no impact to existing contracts, or live procurements.
As the Act is rolled out, these are some changes you may see from Network Rail.
