North West Centre of Excellence

News Update

Week Ending 21st October 2005

NEWS

Job Opportunities

Thanks to all those who have expressed an interest following the News Update week ending 7^th October.  We are running slightly behind and hope to have the job descriptions on the website the week ending 4^th November to avoid half term. 

OGC Procurement – Savings on IT Hardware through e-Auctions

Working under the remit of the Efficiency Review, the OGC Procurement Efficiency Workstream anticipates price savings to Departments and the Wider Public Sector, of at least 10% on public sector IT hardware purchases through the use of electronic auctions (e-Auctions).

Expenditure on IT hardware such as PCs, printers and servers across the public sector amounts to £4bn annually. Purchases of PCs (desktops and laptops) account for one quarter, or £1bn, of the total. A first e-Auction for PCs on the 14th September initiated a programme of regular e-Auctions sponsored by the OGC.

By inviting the participation of purchasing bodies across the public sector, the project will make best value pricing more widely available. The project will further enhance savings through the proven advantages of the e-Auction process.

The OGC will consult with purchasing bodies across the public sector over the coming weeks to refine the concept of a rolling e-Auction programme. In the meantime purchasing bodies are urged to contact the OGC in order to register their interest in participating in an OGC-sponsored e-Auction event.

Whilst expressions of interest in e-Auctions within any commodity category are welcomed, in order to present the most attractive proposition to suppliers and therefore achieve the best available pricing, it is essential that participating bodies have a firm intent to purchase.

A further event for IT hardware is planned for the 30^th November 

Expressions of interest and questions regarding the project should be forwarded to the OGC Service Desk, who can be contacted email - servicedesk@ogc.gsi.gov.uk or telephone 0845 000 4999. 

A more detailed note is available by clicking here

Efficiency Review Mid Year Update

Following the Value for Money self-assessment and development and backward looking Annual Efficiency Statements in July, single tier authorities with a CPA rating other than Excellent are now being asked by the ODPM to provide a mid-year update by 17^th November, showing the progress made towards achieving the efficiency gains detailed in their Annual Efficiency Statement for 2005/06 and to rationalise any shortfalls.

The 4Ps, supported by the NWCE, are planning some Efficiency Review workshops designed to help members and senior managers review the completeness and robustness of their efficiency strategy.  More information regarding this event will be circulated shortly.  In the meantime please click here to access ‘A Guide to completing the 2005/6 mid-year update’ produced by the ODPM .

EVENTS

North West Centre of Excellence and OGC Buying Solutions Collaborative Event

Date and Venue: Thursday 1^st December, Manchester Conference Centre, Sackville Street, Manchester - 9.30am – 3.00pm

The event is aimed at raising awareness of how both OGC Buying Solutions and the Centre can assist Local Authorities in various procurement activities. It will be a great opportunity to bring together all Local Authorities within the North West remit in one session and explain the collaborative partnership.

If you would like further information about this event please email Shelley Timpson at the Centre.

West Midlands Centre of Excellence – I.T. Procurement Event 2nd November 05

There are places available at the above event, which is taking place on 2nd November at Worcestershire County Council, County Hall. The event will look at different aspects of IT provision.  

The agenda and details of the event can be found at: http://www.wmcoe.gov.uk/eventsnewsitem.asp?newsid=87