6 February 2017
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LGP News - June 2017
" Keeping you connected in local government procurement "
Exciting Times for LGP
New Appointments - New Services
by Luke Kenny, Chief Executive Officer
With Local Government Procurement (LGP) having completed a decade providing service in procurement, over the past six months we have been reviewing all areas of our business, including changes and outcomes we have achieved in that time. To LGP our staff are our biggest asset, as they are vital in providing services to our councils and contractors. Since I joined LGP in October last year, one of my key priorities has been to progressively fill out our structure, you may have noticed some of these announcements. Below is a summary of new appointments at LGP which you may find useful:
Selina Pinheiro – Marketing Coordinator: Selina is new to LGP, joining in March from the private sector and already she is evolving LGP’s strategic marketing and events program.
Robyn McKenzie – Senior Business Manager - Consulting Team: Robyn has been with LGP for over 2 years. In this role Robyn will oversee our growing list of consulting projects and the integration of Sustainable Choice, which formally takes effect on 1 July 2017.
Mark Osborne – LGP Project Manager: Mark has been with LGP for just over a year. In this new role Mark will focus on LGP project delivery discipline across the organisation, helping us to maximize our resources, as well as deliver on-time quality products and services for councils and contractors.
Michael He – Business Development Manager – Southern Region: Michael joined LGP a month ago after spending the last few years in council procurement positions. Michael joins us to look after all our councils, ROCs and JOs in the southern region.
Jessica Jones – Business Development Manager – Northern Region: Previously our Business Manager for the southern region, after relocating her family, Jessica has been appointed as Business Development Manager - Northern Region.
Marie Talevska – Category Manager, Fleet & Engineering: Marie has been with LGP for a few years working in the Tenders Team, she will be commencing her new role as Category Manager, Fleet & Engineering in late July.
Shivani Ghai – Tenders Administrator: Shivani joined LGP in March originally as our Office Coordinator, in the short time she has been with LGP she has moved from that role into the Tenders Team as a Tenders Administrator and will now be working with the team in the coordination of tenders and tenderers.
It is an exciting time for LGP, we have new people joining the business, and existing staff being given an opportunity to tackle new challenges. We will work with all these people to make sure that we continue to provide councils with better and wholistic procurement services.
Sustainable Choice is coming to LGP effectively on the 1st of July. We have been working on this transition for many months, with our core focus on how can we move this business from being grant-funded to a commercially self-sustaining business. Our main objective is to maintain the knowledge, capability and expertise built up over the last 10 years, as well as develop a sustainable commercial model that brings a whole range of new services and opportunities for councils and contractors.
This transition will see changes, most notably the introduction of a Sustainable Choice annual membership fee for both councils and contractors. In order to maintain and invest in the expansion of Sustainable Choice services and products, these nominal fees need to be introduced in the absence of future grant funding. We accept some Sustainable Choice participants who are with us today, may choose not to continue, we respect those who make that decision and thank them for their support over many years.
For those suppliers who choose to pay their membership and remain with Sustainable Choice, they will continue to have their products profiled on the database, promoted in new marketing campaigns and positioned under the new services for councils, as outlined below.
Those councils who do continue with a paid membership, or those who choose to join for the first time, can expect to see some of the following features and benefits:
Retained Sustainable Choice Council Benefits:
- Participate in the Annual Sustainable Procurement Survey
- Receive the Annual Sustainable Procurement Benchmark Report
- Access to 820 products and services on Sustainable Choice database
- Free attendance at Sustainable Choice Forums
- Receive Sustainable Choice Quarterly Newsletter
- Access to Sustainable Choice staff for advice and guidance
New Benefits with Sustainable Choice joining LGP:
- New web presence with public and member-only access to Sustainable Choice online materials and resources
- A new ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement Performance Assessment service
- A dedicated Sustainable Procurement Training Program (includes ISO 20400)
- A new sustainable procurement consulting capability, helping councils and suppliers embed sustainable procurement into their organisation
Information on membership details has been circulated to existing council members, with supplier notifications to be communicated shortly. If in the meantime if you would like to discuss Sustainable Choice Membership further, please contact us via email.
The LGP 2017 Events Program is underway, holding our first 'Networking in the Bush' event in Dubbo last month. We would like to thank all council staff who attended the day, Dubbo Regional Council for being excellent hosts, and Rick Jones representing Boral as our event sponsor. Armidale is our next stop for this event, which we are holding on Tuesday 25th July, followed by Sydney (16th August) and Junee (7th September). The Armidale event will cleverly bring some culture into procurement, holding the event at the New England Regional Art Museum. Please click here to register. The event is free to attend and seats are limited.
Finally, the theme for the 2017 LGP Annual Conference has been announced. This year we celebrate Building Procurement Capability and Embracing Innovation. Everyday our sector is being challenged further, we have to not only understand innovation, but be prepared to develop it, and have the courage to incorporate innovation in our procurement functions.
Suppliers who wish to participate at LGP’s 2017 Annual Conference as a sponsor or as a trade exhibitor can view our Sponsorship Prospectus.
We look forward to seeing all our councils, contractors and suppliers at the LGP 2017 Annual Conference.
A Huge Success!
'Networking in the Bush' - Dubbo
Local Government Procurement (LGP) ran another highly successful 'Networking in the Bush' meeting in Dubbo on 11th May 2017.
Attendees came from councils as far away as Walgett, Cowra and Nyngan to learn from ‘Procurement Specialists’ and share information concerning procurement in their council.
They heard from numerous speakers including LGP's Head of Tendering and Contracts - Phill Scott, from VendorPanel's - Gareth May and from Monica Kelly - legal practitioner who challenged the attendees on their knowledge of procurement law.
At the networking meeting, our new Leading Efficiency and Analytics Program (LEAP) was launched. The feedback from the launch showed strong interest in adopting this program as it is low cost and promises to deliver procurement capabilities and efficiencies based on real council data.
There was also the opportunity for attendees to put forward their own questions for discussion by the group.
LGP believes we have a responsibility to run these meetings to keep people in regional councils abreast of current issues and to meet with others who have a similar role to discuss matters of interest.
‘Networking in the Bush’ meetings are planned for other regions later this year.
ARMIDALE – Tuesday, 25 July 2017
SYDNEY – Wednesday, 16 August 2017
JUNEE – Thursday, 7 September
There is no cost to attend the meeting.
UPCOMING EVENTS
'Networking in the Bush'
Armidale
Registration Now Open!
Local Government Procurement (LGP) is committed to supporting government procurement professionals to achieve efficiencies and drive capability development in procurement.
LGP’s 'Networking in the Bush' meeting is designed to bring procurement staff from across NSW together to discuss ideas, current issues and where appropriate work as a team on special projects. The networking meeting provides an opportunity for council officers involved in procurement to meet in an environment where networking and information sharing is conducted, as well as discuss the latest procurement initiatives within local government.
LGP’s second networking meeting for the year will be held in the Northern region of NSW in Armidale on Tuesday, 25 July’ 2017.
Who should attend?
- General Managers and senior management staff.
- Management staff involved in or overlooking procurement functions eg: tendering management, contract management, and supplier engagement.
- Procurement staff (all levels and sections of council).
Why should you attend?
- Valuable procurement knowledge imparted by LGP subject matter experts.
- Extensive legal knowledge provided by our legal partner at no cost.
- VendorPanel useful tips, tricks and training provided.
- Update of market trends, challenges and solutions in the procurement space.
- An update on sustainability in procurement.
- Free training opportunity for appropriate council staff.
Agenda: Click here
Date: Tuesday, 25 July
2017
Registration: 9:30am. – 10:00am.
Meeting: 10:00am. – 4:00pm.
Location: Lalor Harris Gallery, New England Regional Art Museum
106 - 114 Kentucky St., Armidale NSW 2350
Cost: Free to attend (lunch provided)
Sponsorship Opportunities
Local Government Procurement
Annual Conference 2017
The Local Government Procurement Conference is an established industry event for NSW local government. The conference provides a unique opportunity for suppliers to showcase their goods and services to a cross section of procurement professionals from across the state over two days. It is also an excellent opportunity to attract potential customers and build on existing relationships already established.
The conference will be held on Thursday 30 November and Friday, 1 December 2017 at the Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn Street Sydney.
Sponsorship opportunities are limited. Suppliers who wish to participate as a sponsor or as a trade exhibitor can view our Sponsorship Prospectus.
Local Government Procurement
Annual Conference 2017
Registration Now Open!
'Building Procurement Capability and Embracing Innovation' is the theme of the 2017 Local Government Procurement Conference. The key topics covered over the two days will revolve around people and culture, technology, supplier relationship management, sustainable procurement, innovation and future trends.
The Local Government Procurement Conference is an established industry event for NSW local government. The conference provides opportunities to develop new and build on existing professional networks and working relationships and to learn from industry experts and peers.
Local Government Procurement Annual Conference 2017 will be held on Thursday, 30 November and Friday, 1 December 2017 at the Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn Street Sydney.
The conference will bring together local government managers to hear and learn about a range of procurement challenges within the sector. The conference is an ideal event for those involved in procurement, in particular:
- Procurement Managers
- Governance Managers
- Purchasing Officers
- Contracts Managers
- General Managers and Senior Managers
Visit our website to view updated information, or register your interest here to receive conference updates direct to your inbox.
Legal Services Providers
Case Study
From time to time council’s may have the need to engage legal services providers to represent and provide legal support to council on potentially contentious legal issues that many councils face.
Recently LGP’s Consulting Team were engaged by Wollondilly Shire Council to facilitate a tender process for the engagement of a panel of legal services providers. Council required an efficient and robust procurement process to be conducted that would deliver value for money in a timely manner and meet all requirements for governance and probity.
LGP's Consulting Team met with council staff to identify all requirements, potential risks and develop an evaluation methodology that would ensure the process would achieve an advantageous result for council. Click here to read more about the process and the outcome achieved.
ESSTAM Launch
Sustainable Choice has developed comprehensive sustainable procurement educational resources for local government and the community. The resources include videos and a guideline that promote sustainable purchasing in local government in NSW highlighting: the quadruple bottom line (QBL); ISO20400; and how to make informed choices.
Download Sustainable Procurement Guide for local government in NSW
Sustainable Procurement Education Awareness
Sustainable Procurement Education Training
Notification of Tender Release T3.08-3
Playgrounds, Open Spaces, Modular Structures, Exterior Lighting, Recreational and Associated Infrastructure.
Click here to read more.
Leading Efficiency & Analytics Program - LEAP
The recently launched LEAP program, a low cost ongoing continuous improvement program that uses real data and evidence to improve procurement capability of council, continues to gain momentum!
Following on from the successful launch of the LEAP program at our recent ‘Networking in the Bush’ meeting in Dubbo, we have now begun to conduct a series of webinars and face to face meetings with councils.
Our first successful webinar had over 60 attendees showing keen interest in the product and eager to learn how the program would benefit their council.
Our next webinar will be conducted in late June, with an invite to be shared with all councils.
If you would like more information about the program, please email us or visit our website.
The LEAP program is delivered to council by both LGP and ArcBlue.
Local Government Procurement Training
Whatever you want to achieve, LGP can support you. We have an exciting and extensive range of training:
- ProcureLearn, LGP’s eLearning Program uses state-of-the-art technology, delivering cost effective
training, specifically designed for council employees engaged in purchasing, quoting, tendering and contract management.
- LGP Learning Centre, our face-to-face Training Program features a range of interactive and leading practice modules, designed specifically for NSW Local Government, covering critical areas of procurement and contract management.
- Procurement Qualifications, accredited procurement qualifications courses developed specifically for NSW council staff.
Procurement eLearning
Free Webinar - Tuesday, 20 June 2017
How does eLearning help in the procurement space? It develops and upskills those engaged in any aspect of purchasing.
ProcureLearn fits easily into daily work schedule and is specifically designed for NSW council employees.
The program aims to:
- Develop and enhance the standard of procurement across a region or council
- Provide a technically proficient progress path for procurement professionals
- Teach best practice procurement through the latest training
- Provide technical understanding of probity and policy legislation
- Offer a cost-effective training solution for a region or council
eLearning modules include:
- Procurement essentials, made up of 4 modules, designed for non-procurement purchasers.
- Contract management essentials - This course is designed to provide the learner with techniques and tools to effectively manage supplier relationships. Commencing with an overview of why contract management is important, it covers the fundamental elements of good practice.
Topics covered:
o Introduction to contract management
o Procurement impact on contract management
o Contract management planning
o Performance management
o Contract mobilisation
o Contract close-out
- Probity in purchasing and procurement, is an essential course for anyone who raises a purchase order, authorises a contract or procurement exercise or is involved in buying in any way. Included with the three-package course, receive access to specialised procurement topics:
o Risk management
o Supplier evaluation
o Sustainable procurement
To register and for more information.
Procurement Training for Council Staff Registrations Open!
Reduce risk and support council staff in their procurement activities.
Supplier Tender Training - Sydney CBD – Tuesday 20 June 2017
The Supplier Tender Training module will teach you basic principles and best practice in tender writing for local government. Our experienced trainers will assist you to develop your skills and confidence in bid writing. The objective is to provide you with insight from the buyer’s perspective as to what is required, how your proposals are considered, and the processes involved in their evaluation. More information
and to register.
Procurement for Local Government - Sydney CBD – Tuesday 1 August 2017
Providing a comprehensive overview of the purchasing function within the NSW local government sector, learn the end-to-end procurement life-cycle and practical ways to apply principles within council. More information and to register.
Planning and Specifications - Sydney CBD – Monday 11 September 2017
Designed on the key principles that need to be observed when writing a best practice procurement plan and specifications development, council staff will be able to construct a basic plan to develop requirements, ensuring that contract arrangements are effective and practical. More information
and to register.
Evaluation, Supplier Selection and Contract Establishment - Sydney CBD – Monday 9 October 2017
This one day course supports supplier selection and evaluation techniques aligned to probity and value for money. Learn key tips on setting up evaluation criteria for the quotation and tender stage to ensure the right supplier is selected. Designed for staff either currently involved in quotation/tender evaluations or about to do so, participants will come away with practical skills applicable in the Local Government context. More information and to register.
Contract Management Essentials - Sydney CBD – Monday 6 November 2017
Understand the key principles of managing contracts in the local government sector, and learn essential information on the contract management life-cycle including foundation insights to procurement principles. More information and to register.
Government Procurement Training Procurement Qualifications
Accredited procurement qualifications courses WIFM (What’s in it for me?) hone your skills in Procurement.
The following courses are available:
Advanced Diploma of Procurement and Contracting
Sydney CBD – Commencing in July
Think strategically across your organisation, develop a comprehensive understanding of strategic procurement and contract management, including legislative requirements, governance and internal controls.
2017 dates (participants must attend all four blocks)
Block 1: 19-21 July 2017
Block 2: 28-30 August 2017
Block 3: 12-14 September 2017
Block 4: 10-12 October 2017
More information and to register
Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting
Sydney CBD – Commencing in August.
This practical course program covers the nuts and bolts of the tendering process. Identifying and understanding gaining approvals, developing procurement plans, legislation and documentation such as specification requirements, the Request for Tender and the Tender Evaluation Plan.
2017 dates (participants must attend all four blocks)
Block 1: 8-10 August 2017
Block 2: 23-25 August 2017
Block 3: 18-19 September 2017
Block 4: 16-18 October 2017
More information and to register.
Diploma of Procurement and Contracting
Sydney CBD – Commencing in September
This program is suitable for staff who have completed Certificate IV or have prior learning. Develop skills to conduct significant procurement. Understand the value of implementing policy, managing contract performance and monitor compliance within legislation, Coordinate risk management activities and manage contract risk.
2017 dates (participants must attend all four blocks)
Block 1: 5-7 September 2017
Block 2: 20-21 September 2017
Block 3: 25-27 October 2017
Block 4: 7-9 November 2017
More information and to register.
All LGP training can be conducted in-house at a location of your choice. For further information view the LGP Training Calendar or contact LGP Training or 02 8270 8709.
Local Government Procurement
Consulting Team
Often councils do not have the time or required resources to dedicate to procurement. With this in mind, Local Government Procurement has a specialised team with over 20 years’ procurement experience in local government and global organisations to provide personalised and customised support to councils in relation to their specific procurement projects. Some of the services offered by the Consulting Team on a very competitive ‘fee for service’ basis are listed below these include but are not limited to:
- RFX facilitation
- Review and development of procurement processes, policies and procedures
- Probity advice and audit services
- Customised supplier tender training
- Contract management
- Procurement project management
- Council specific procurement training
Over 40 individual and customised projects have been delivered to both local and regional councils. These projects have delivered councils requirements for due diligence, probity, fairness and transparency. The process delivered by the Consulting Team ensures best practice and is in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) Section 55, Local
Government (General) Regulation 2005 (NSW) Part 7 Tendering and Tendering Guidelines for NSW Local Government 2009.
For more information, please email the Consulting Team or call 02 8270 8747.
Want to Know Who Your
Business Manager is at LGP?
Local Government Procurement has dedicated business managers to look after the needs of councils, approved contractors, not for profit organisations and other government bodies.
Click here to see who can help you.
As part of our commitment to more sustainable procurement, Local Government Procurement is proud to be a member of Social Procurement Australasia (SPA).
Find out more about who SPA are here.
Read SPA May 2017 bulletin.
Procurement
Tip of The Month
By LGP Consulting Team
Procurement Induction
A procurement induction should be performed at the same time as all other inductions for new employees. It is also useful to refresh existing employees of the procurement requirements of the organisation.
The induction can be brief but clear to inform and alert staff that there are requirements and channels to utilise when conducting purchases with public monies.
Some of the items to include:
- Location/Link to procurement policy
- Location/Link to procurement procedures
- Location/Link to procurement intranet hub
- Structure of organisation demonstrating the procurement unit position
- Procurement model (e.g Centre-Led)
- Positions within the procurement unit for direct support
- Systems and other e-procurement tools utilised
- Further training provisions
The aim is to highlight to staff the avenues for support and control mechanisms to be followed. It should not be taken for granted that a staff member with council experience would be equipped with the procurement requirements of another council.
For further information about LGP Consulting Team click here.
