The National Procurement Service (NPS) for Wales has been set up to enable the Welsh public sector to collaborate more closely in procuring goods and services. The NPS brings together public sector purchasing power of over £1 billion representing 20-30% of the Welsh annual expenditure in common and repetitive spend. The benefit of this arrangement is to save £25 million per year to allocate to public services in the face of unprecedented budgetary pressures.
Over 75 organisations in Wales have signed up to be part of this new initiative and include all Local Authorities, the NHS, Welsh Government, the Police and Fire services and Higher and Further Education. The initial work plan has been finalised in consultation with sector organisations and will ensure that priorities are captured and acted upon.
The NPS became operational in November 2013 and will be staffed by 40 procurement professionals operating out of three locations: Bedwas (Caerphilly), Swansea and Llandudno Junction. The main operational hub will be Bedwas where the NPS Director will be located along with supporting functions. The NPS will be managed through category teams that will respond to the requirements of customer organisations and negotiate frameworks and contracts on their behalf, getting the best possible deal for Welsh public sector.
The NPS will be hosted by the Welsh Government and its first three years of operation will receive funding of £5.9m from the Welsh Government's Invest to Save Fund. After the first three years the NPS will become self-funding.
While savings in goods and services will be a priority, it will not be the only priority and promoting local economic regeneration, community benefits and supporting SMEs and the voluntary sector in competing for Welsh pubic sector contracts will be important.
First published
21 January 2014
Last updated
07 March 2024