Driving innovation and efficiency in UK public sector procurement

June 27, 2023

With digital transformation emerging as a catalyst for driving public sector procurement practices, we examine how technology and software continues to change the world around us

The procurement process plays a vital role in the UK public sector, ensuring the acquisition of goods and services to support efficient operations and deliver public services effectively.

In recent years, digital transformation has emerged as a catalyst for driving procurement practices forward and driving the best outcome, not just for procurement teams within the public sector, but also aiming to benefit society at large.

But how can digital technologies really drive change? A simple software solution could be the first step.

Software as an enabler of innovation

Technology has transformed various sectors, and public sector procurement is no exception. By taking inspiration from how we have become more efficient in business and our daily lives, the UK public sector can look to similar solutions in procurement practices.

Framespan is a public sector framework database tool designed to enable procurement professionals to save time and increase compliance. The software platform works in a similar way to consolidation websites such as Compare the Market and Rightmove, enabling public sector professionals to leverage technology to streamline processes and facilitate easier decision-making.

Consolidation websites enable simplicity in our everyday lives by ensuring we only need to go to one simple website to find what we’re looking for from various providers in the insurance market.

Similarly, in procurement, with a vast amount of frameworks in various different locations, identifying the best ones procurement professionals require must become more efficient in order to support the needs of these key teams.

That’s where Framespan can really help procurement professionals simplify processes and embrace efficiency.

Enhancing efficiency and cost savings

Efficiency and cost savings are crucial objectives in public sector procurement. Procurement Directors in hospitals, as an example, spend a large amount of time searching for frameworks on various sites to try and source what they need.

Framespan dramatically reduces the amount of time spent searching for the right framework by giving a complete view of the market on one, intuitive directory, making finding the compliant route to market quick and easy.

By consolidating frameworks and enabling easy search using keywords, Framespan can save significant time for procurement teams and directors. With more time to focus on valuable tasks, more benefits can be made to hospitals, and the wider public sector, from a commercial perspective.

Using Framespan can help save these hours by simply consolidating frameworks enabling all relevant ones to be found using simple keywords and phrases.

Aligning procurement with social values

Despite saving money being a key driver of the need for better investment in technology, public sector procurement should not solely focus on financial considerations but also align with social values.

The NHS Central Commercial Function recognises this by outlining five guiding principles: Sustainability, Value for Money, Collaboration, Innovation, and Fairness. Technology can aid in implementing these principles effectively. For instance, by leveraging technology such as Framespan, there are ways procurement teams can evaluate a supplier’s social impact by seeing publicly available documentation around areas such as environmental impact, diversity, and inclusion.

Furthermore, consolidation platforms provide the ability to quickly find local businesses, supporting the local economy, saving the environment and fostering community development.

Strengthening supplier relationships

Effective supplier relationships are crucial in public sector procurement. Technology can help nurture these relationships by enhancing transparency and trust. Software can enable transparent and auditable procurement processes, minimising the risk of corruption and ensuring fairness for all parties involved.

By promoting trust and collaboration, technology-driven procurement practices can attract a broader range of suppliers, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promoting fair competition and supporting local economies.

Technology has the power to revolutionise public sector procurement in the UK by driving innovation and efficiency while upholding social values. By embracing innovative software, the public sector can streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and achieve cost savings.

By leveraging technology to strengthen supplier relationships and engage with local businesses, the UK public sector can drive economic growth, ensure public trust, and deliver better outcomes for society as a whole.