The Scottish Government

This indicator examines the extent to which the procurement professionals have influence within the organisation, and monitors the level of procurement spend that is influenced at an appropriate level by the procurement team.

This BPI is recorded within the profile update in the Hub. When you log into the profile data input page you will be asked the following question:

• What is the total value of procurement spend actively influenced by a procurement professional?

The hub will then automatically calculate your BPI result using the following calculation:

Procurement spend actively influenced by procurement professionals ÷ total procurement spend x 100.

'Procurement professionals' for the purposes of this indicator is defined as procurement officers holding any level of qualification recognised by CIPS, an appropriate qualification (as defined in 7b), or staff who have 5 years or more experience in running procurement processes and a working knowledge of current best practice and the tools/techniques used in purchasing and supply management, as well as an ability to demonstrate practical use of that knowledge to add value to the organisation. The type of qualification or experience should correspond to the complexity of the advice and active influence required.

'Active' influence is where procurement professionals are actively supporting the sourcing process. That is, it is more than just providing guidance, they should be an active participant in defining and managing the sourcing process.

For collaborative contracts, procurement professionals within end-user organisations may not be involved in the sourcing process (which may be undertaken off-site by the Centre of Expertise or another organisation if Cat C), but they should be closely involved in any decision for the organisation formally adopt that collaborative contract.

Annual

Local Organisation

Local Organisation

Auditable

Most organisations would aim to achieve a high percentage for this indicator and to increase it over time.

It is crucial that key contracting decisions are taken by qualified and experience staff, to ensure appropriate governance and accountability of public spending.