NAVCA's new Local Commissioning and Procurement Unit
(LCPU) is now fully staffed with the arrival of Rachel Rhodes as
Adviser.
The LCPU team of Pauline Kimantas, John Dawson, Martin
Lockett and Rachel Rhodes has been established in response to the
growing importance and interest in commissioning and procurement
among NAVCA's members.
The Unit will be delivering a four-year programme funded
by the Big Lottery Fund to provide support and guidance to local
infrastructure organisations (LIOs) on commissioning and
procurement.
A recent NAVCA survey identified
commissioning, procurement and competitive tendering
as the second highest challenge in the next 18 months, second only
to funding. This challenge contrasts starkly with LIOs' resources;
well under 10% of NAVCA's membership having dedicated specialist
staff in this area.
The Unit is currently mapping activity and resources in
this area and just some of the plans for the first year include
establishing a network of procurement specialists, launching an
enquiry service, setting up an email network and providing useful
guidance to LIOs on relevant legislation.
If you would like to get in touch please contact the LCPU
via the NAVCA website's staff
contact details.