Procurement Training
Public Sector Procurement Training and Education Programme Activities
Following the successful launch of the public sector procurement training programme, in June 2004, a new programme has been developed for 2005. This new programme has been developed around a number of objectives:
- practically focussed training on 'best practice' public sector procurement
- a mechanism for personnel involved in public sector procurement to update their skills and knowledge
- a professional development path for those wishing to formalise their knowledge and skills with recognised qualifications
- accessible to the broader State services (not just Wellington based personnel)
- an opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing between procurement practitioners across the State services.
The 2005 public sector training and education programme is made up of the following activities:
- Training Seminars
- Qualifications
- Workshops
- Public Sector Procurement Conference
Training Seminars
The procurement training seminars are practically focussed, with participants gaining access to the collective body of knowledge of a number of procurement specialists in different parts of the public sector. They will also have the opportunity to explore, in hands-on sessions, fresh approaches and ideas in public sector procurement practice, as well as gaining access to a range of templates and tools they can take back and apply in their own agencies.
The seminar series consists of a seven-module programme covering the following topics:
- Ethics
- Planning Procurement
- Risk Management
- Requesting & Receiving Offers
- Manage Tender Evaluations
- Awarding Contracts
- Contract Management
Each topic is delivered as a one-day seminar, with the content and delivery model based on the successful pilot series carried out in 2004.
A key focus of the seminars will be ensuring the material covers the learning objectives of the formal procurement qualifications.
Agency personnel canregister online for a course.
Workshops
The category workshops will follow the same format as the 2004 events, with one hour of presentations followed by a light lunch and networking opportunity. Copies of the presentations will be placed on the procurement shared workspace.
In addition to the agency workshops SP.u is running a one-day workshop with selected agency personnel on agreeing a set of behaviours and processes that constitute good practice in NZ public sector procurement. These agreed processes and behaviours will be reflected in the seminars, as well as providing input into any future update of the OAG Procurement Guidelines.
Formal NZQA Qualifications
Two formal procurement qualifications have been designed - a Diploma for people already working in the procurement area and an entry level Certificate.
The qualifications are both practically focussed, with accreditation against the unit standards making up each qualification being primarily based on evidence provided from the work place.
A list of the unit standards making up the Diploma is available on the Public Sector Training Organisation's website.
To enrol on the Diploma contact Andrew McLean at the Syndicated Procurement Unit (04) 495 6619 or email procurement@ssc.govt.nz.
Conference
A public sector procurement conference is planned for 27 October. The conference will focus on new developments, trends and best practice case studies in procurement. Further details will be made available as planning progresses.
For more information on the training and education programme, contact Andrew McLean: ph 04 495 6619 or email procurement@ssc.govt.nz.