**London**: With new procurement regulations set to take effect in February 2025, Sue Birchall analyses the implications for school business professionals. She offers guidance on adapting to changes, the difference between procurement and purchasing, and the opportunities for local businesses amid the evolving landscape.
With the new procurement regulations set to be implemented in February 2025, school business professionals (SBPs) are navigating the implications of these updates, which were previously anticipated to have an immediate effect. Sue Birchall, in her analysis for Education Executive, elaborates on the upcoming changes and provides guidance on how SBPs can prepare for the shift.
The responsibilities of an SBP are extensive, and changes in regulations often bring new challenges, especially in areas where professionals may not have extensive expertise. Despite the potential for feelings of apprehension or overwhelming workloads, Birchall reassures that these regulations represent updates to existing frameworks rather than a complete overhaul that could disrupt daily operations in schools and academies.
A crucial distinction is made between procurement and purchasing. Birchall explains that procurement encompasses the entire process of acquiring products and services, which includes detailed planning and an emphasis on long-term value rather than immediate cost. In contrast, purchasing is a more reactive and immediate transaction primarily focused on price. Birchall notes that while schools may frequently engage in purchasing, procurement will be necessary for larger projects, such as catering contracts.
The newly proposed procurement regulations aim to streamline the process by allowing smaller businesses the opportunity to compete alongside larger entities for contracts. Birchall points out that this could be particularly beneficial for schools, allowing more local businesses to engage in the bidding process that they might have otherwise been unable to compete in.
To ensure compliance with legal requirements and to navigate the changes confidently, Birchall underscores the importance of SBPs familiarising themselves with the regulations. She advises that a foundational understanding is vital to secure functionality within legal boundaries and to avoid any potential pitfalls.
To facilitate this learning process, the Cabinet Office has developed a series of “knowledge drops” — concise factsheets introducing various elements of the new regulations. These resources are designed for easy consumption, allowing SBPs to absorb information in manageable amounts while providing clarity on the updates.
Birchall concludes her discussion with a call for SBPs to embrace the opportunity for professional development through these changes. By grasping the expectations outlined in the new regulations and ensuring proper documentation for tenders and quotes, school business professionals can foster competitive local enterprises in the procurement landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
