The
Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) claims the Government’s
Efficiency Review is misguided, and reducing headcount alone will not address
inefficiencies in the public sector.
The
review is due to be released as part of the Government’s Spending Review in a
couple of week’s time. According to leaks, it could result in the loss of
80,000 back office and procurement jobs, as well as a reduction in the number
of local authority purchasers from 400 to 10.
The
CIPS, which represents purchasing and supply professionals, said cuts would not
get to the heart of public sector inefficiency.
The
institute claims that in the short-term, inefficient procurement can lead to
delays in completing projects, and the waste of taxpayers’ money.
In
the long-term, failure to take a strategic approach to purchasing poses a
number of threats, including the risk of relying on a handful of suppliers for
key commodities, according to the CIPS.
Ken
James, CEO of the CIPS, said: "Too often, purchasing is regarded as a
transactional activity and not as a long-term strategic activity which goes to
the heart of the business.
"Government
needs to work with us to broaden understanding and instil best practice
procurement across the sector."
The
institute recommends:
–
A full audit of the skills of practicing public sector purchasers
–
A defined approach to training and skills development
–
CIPS or CIPS-accredited qualifications to become compulsory for both new
recruits and existing staff
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–
Greater involvement for CIPS in advising Government on strategic purchasing
