2.8 Public Sector attendees at our roundtable events conceded a general lack of Competitive Dialogue knowledge and skills within their procurement teams, although they consider this to be improving. In particular they recognised that the very small resource pool of public sector procurement specialists means that a greater reliance is being placed on the private sector to provide support.
2.9 While recognising the added value that private sector advisory services can bring to procurements, HM Treasury is keen to reduce this reliance and improve public sector skills and capacity. Inconsistent training courses on the Competitive Dialogue procedure has contributed to the lack of upskilling in procurement professionals. This review recommends a series of training courses be developed for officials across the public sector.
2.10 Public sector procurement professionals would benefit from a practical 'how to' of Competitive Dialogue. The course should showcase best practice, feature learning points from recent and ongoing procurements and provide an opportunity to quiz experienced practitioners.
2.11 Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) and non-procurement specialists would benefit from a less technical approach, focusing on those key issues, such as planning, strategy, costs, timescales and market engagement, which will reap benefits if considered as policy is developed.
2.12 HM Treasury will work with the ERG to determine the most appropriate provider for these courses and will work with the chosen provider to reflect the results of this review within the course content.
2.13 In addition to formal training, authorities would benefit from networking groups to share opinions and best practice.