In our Summer edition, we highlighted to you the forthcoming changes to procurement as the UK moves away from the EU-based Public Contract Regulations 2015. These changes are effective from 28th October 2024.
The ‘PA2023’, as it has become known, will be a significant challenge for implementation as it was widely reported that many institutions failed to comply with the 2015 EU regulations. However, the thrust behind this new act is to simplify public procurement for the wider public benefit by increasing transparency, scrutiny and value for money.
A helpful short guide on its requirements can be found here: The Procurement Act 2023: A short guide for suppliers (HTML) - GOV.UK. This can be read in conjunction with the Crown Commercial Serivces prepared guidance: How to prepare for the Procurement Act 2023 – Procurement Essentials - CCS. These are good guides for Governors to review in order to ensure the College has implemented the requirements of the new Act.
It's important to note that the Act is not retrospective, so only affects agreements entered into after the effective date of 28th October. Existing agreements, however, must still comply with the old 2015 regulations, so be aware of the dual regulatory environment.
Full guidance on the PA2023 can be found here: Procurement Act 2023 - Guidance documents - GOV.UK.
