Scottish Government

8 Questionnaire

A questionnaire ²⁴ was sent out to all EVH members and all LAHDs. From the 196 questionnaire recipients, there were 76 responses, of which 32 (42%) completed the survey. Of those that identified themselves, 48 (81%) respondents were HAs and 11 (19%) were LAHDs ²⁵.

Analysis of the questionnaire gives a mixed picture of procurement/supply chain maturity. A summary of the questionnaire responses is as follows:

• Sixty four percent of those responsible for procurement spend less than 20% of their time conducting procurement related activity: this suggests that the majority of procurement activity is not being undertaken by dedicated professional resources
• Procurement activity was viewed strategically by 64% and as part of the day job by 37% of respondents
• The sector shows a high level of collaboration with 61% having had some form of collaborative procurement
• When asked how they procure, 77% did so through local suppliers, 96% through tender process, 49% via some form of collaborative group and 58% by using some form of procurement framework (including ones they had set up themselves) ²⁶
• The amount spent by the sector through procurement frameworks was low with 79% procuring 20% or less via this method
• There is a low level of use of frameworks (Scotland Excel is highest at 31% (although this is likely to include most of the LA respondents which artificially inflates this figure), Scottish Procurement 26%, Procurement for Housing 21% and OGC Buying Solutions 16%).

• The sector is keen to support its local economy but quality, followed by price and programme, is the most important criteria when making procurement decisions.

• Only 26% of respondents reported having undertaken lessons learned sessions with suppliers.

A complete analysis of the questionnaire is included at Appendix 2.