We’re really pleased to launch a series of procurement training courses following on from feedback provided in our Annual Membership Survey, and discussions we have had with several of our members.

We are partnering with Achilles, CIPFA and Brodies to deliver these free procurement training courses for our full members in 2024. All courses will take place online and will be open to a maximum of 30 or 40 attendees dependent on the course and provider. Some are tailored to stakeholders within member organisations, some to procurement professionals, and others will be useful for both audiences.

Depending on demand, we may need to limit the number of individuals attending from the same organisation. Please note that as these are training courses they will not be recorded and if you miss the session, they unfortunately will not be available to watch later.

For members interested in running any of these courses for staff at their individual organisation only, please contact me to discuss the possibility of LUPC delivering a part-funded course for your organisation.

Please promote these training sessions internally with your stakeholders to assist you with your procurement processes.

A summary of each course is below, you can read more about the content of each one by clicking on the register here button. Please book early via the Events Page of the LUPC website.

Introduction to Procurement
Register here
Date: 29 February 2024 (repeated 9 July 2024)
A 90-minute online training session delivered by Achilles for non-procurement practitioners (internal stakeholders) who have some responsibility for certain procurement activities within their organisation or for those new to a role in procurement.

Are you ready for Implementing the New Procurement Act 2023? 
Register here
Date: 29 February 2024 
A full day online training course delivered by CIPFA for Heads of Procurement to gain an introductory and practical understanding of the new sections, schedules and published/ available guidance to kickstart successful implementation. The course will also highlight areas which remain the same under Procurement Act 2023 and where day to day application needs to be adapted to avoid costly mistakes and delays to vital procurement projects.

Commercial Aspects 
Register here
Date: 12 March 2024
A 90-minute online training session delivered by Achilles 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.

Terms and Conditions
Register here
Date: 21 March 2024
A 90-minute online training session delivered by Brodies for Procurement practitioners and other stakeholders addressing contract terms and conditions; understanding the key clauses within agreements and how any changes in contracts could have an effect on the compliance of such contracts (where subject to public contracting regulations).

Contract Implementation and Contract Management for Stakeholders
Register here
Date: 16 April 2024 (repeated 13 June 2024)
A half day online training course delivered by CIPFA to support all staff in contracting authorities who have responsibility for making procurement decisions, tendering or contract management responsibilities, to achieve best value from contracts and help drive future efficiency savings through better contract management. The workshop is focused on securing the best commercial outcomes from existing contracts and future procurements.

Negotiation
Register here
Date: 23 April 2024
A 90-minute online training session delivered by Achilles, intended for procurement practitioners, contract managers, finance and other operational stakeholders to develop and enhance their negotiation skills and understand how to negotiate compliantly and effectively in the public sector.

A master class in managing contracts: What Does Best Practice Contract Management Look Like?
Register here
Date: 14 May 2024
A full day online training course delivered by CIPFA, intended for procurement practitioners to achieve best value from existing contracts and help drive future efficiency savings. The landscape for public services is changing rapidly with new service delivery models and providers entering the market, however, contract and supplier relationship management remains a significant area of weakness in many organisations. This course will equip delegates with the knowledge and skills to manage relationships and contracts with third party suppliers. 

Specification Writing
Register here
Date: 2 July 2024
A 90-minute online training session delivered by Achilles for procurement practitioners, contract managers and operational stakeholders to understand and apply the tools, techniques and processes regarding specification writing in-order to ensure specifications are clear, accurate and complete. Suitable for anyone who has not written a specification before, or who has and wants to improve their specification writing skills.

We hope you find these courses of value, please contact Suzanne Picken if you have any queries.