Procurement advice for governing boards

The Department for Education has just produced guidance to help school governors get the best value from non-staff spend and understand the legal requirements for procurement.

The guidance provides information for governors at schools and academies to check if their school is carrying out procurement compliantly and achieving value for money from non-pay spend. It suggests that those involved in governance refer to this information early in the annual budget planning cycle, or when:

• Reviewing their 3-to-5-year plan
• Considering a substantial purchase of goods, services or works.

The guidance notes that boards should also consult their:

• School business professional (business manager, finance director, procurement manager or equivalent)
• Headteacher or chief executive officer (CEO).