Procurement is core to achieving our objectives of:
- protecting and enhancing a sustainable environment
- promoting a healthier and safer community
- developing a more prosperous and sustainable local economy
This can be achieved by:
- securing best value and improving service standards
- protecting assets and making optimum use of facilities
- modernising the way we do things
We have a number of key drivers, these are to:
- increase the Derbyshire pound
- increase contact with, and the involvement of, Derbyshire organisations in supplying us
- reduce the burden of bidding for smaller value contracts
- increase the number of bidding opportunities for local organisations
- increase the knowledge of local organisations to assist them to effectively tender for work
- ensure transparency of available contract opportunities to local organisations
In order to increase awareness of the ongoing tendering opportunities and to assist businesses to effectively plan and prepare tenders, we publish our contracts register of tenders for all of our major spend areas.
Working with the council
In line with Procurement Act 2023, our tender notices are published on the central digital platform Find a Tender, with tender documents being available through our tendering portal Proactis supplier registration.
Both platforms allow you to register and set up tender alerts tailored to your business interest.
Find out more about Public Procurement Act 2023 and what it means for suppliers.
Schools
Schools are subject to alternative financial threshold limits under the Local Management of Schools Scheme, June 2011. You can find updates on the schemes for financing schools.
For more information about schools financial regulations, contact Andy Walker, head of school support finance, email andy.walker@derbyshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01629 532914.
Procurement guidance
The Department for Education (DfE) have a comprehensive and easy to navigate section relating to buying procedures and procurement law for schools.
Their guidance on buying for schools includes a wide range of resources to support schools in purchasing goods and services, from books and educational resources to construction projects.
Find a DfE approved framework for your school supports school business professionals by helping you to:
- identify DfE recommended ways to buy goods and services
- achieve value for money
- comply with buying procedures and procurement law
As outlined in your school's financial regulations, where purchases exceed your financial threshold, you must follow our financial regulations regarding procurement and contract awards.
Networking with other school business professionals can also help you get the best deals and save both time and money. For example, connecting with other school buyers can support you in:
- finding trusted suppliers
- benchmarking costs and budgets
- getting help with purchasing decisions
- accessing example documents and templates
- understanding market trends and best practice
- achieve bulk buying discounts
If you need any further help, email countyprocurementcompliance.team@derbyshire.gov.uk.
In all cases, the principles of tendering still apply. You should refer to protocols 1, 2(a), 4, 5, 7(a), 7(b), 8, and 10 when procuring goods, services of works not covered by and existing contract or framework arrangement.
Contacts
If you require guidance or up-to-date documents related to procurement, please contact the relevant category leads in County Procurement as follows: