North West Centre of Excellence

News Update

Week Ending 18th March 2005

e-Procurement Workstream 

1.      Thank you to all that have shown interest in the e-Procurement Workstream.  We have taken on board the various comments made at the inaugural meeting of the Workstream in January, along with suggestions arising from other workstreams.  As you know, the CoE role is changing and there are increasing demands on time and funding.  It was hoped that issued  would be resolved in February.  However, it is taking longer than expected for a clear picture of the way forward to emerge.

2.      We will progress this workstream as soon as the resourcing issues have been resolved.  In the meantime if you would like more information please contact the Centre by emailing shelley.taylor@tameside.gov.uk

Standards Workstream

3.      Is your organisation in the process of reviewing Council terms and conditions?  If so can you please ensure any information is fed through to the Standards Workstream by emailing bev.brooks@tameside.gov.uk.  Please feel free to include any ideas or documentation felt worth sharing.  It is worth noting that standard procedures and terms and conditions will benefit all.  If you are not already actively involved in this workstream and would like to be involved please contact Bev Brooks.

Highways Agency 

4.      David Holt who deals with Collaboration and Efficiency for the Highways Agency met with Colin this week.  A number of proposals were put forward and will be discussed in detail at a future meeting in April.  Some of the issues discussed included recently developed new contracts documentation, the development of a model for collaboration between local authorities on maintenance - this was described as an 'early contractor involvements package contract'.  By August 2005 the Highways Agency will have developed a Code of Practice on Highways and Bridge Maintenance which will include performance measures.  They have also developed framework agreements for the use of local authorities and are prepared to create regional framework agreements which will enable both large and smaller firms to get business. 

ODPM Report – Securing the Future – Delivering UK Sustainable Development Strategy 

5.      As a result of the government report "Securing the Future - delivering UK sustainable development strategy" the terms of reference of the Centres of Excellence have now increased with effect from 7th March 2005.  These terms of reference can be seen page 162 – see link http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/publications/uk-strategy/uk-strategy-2005.htm