News

OGC launches the Government Procurement Graduate Scheme 2008 recruitment campaign

Released on 25/01/2008

The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has launched its 2008 Government Procurement Graduate Scheme (GPGS) recruitment initiative, to attract high-calibre business graduates to a career in government procurement. The launch follows the successful inauguration of the scheme in 2007.

The aim of the GPGS recruitment drive, led by OGC's Government Procurement Service (GPS), is to further raise the procurement skills base across the public sector and boost efforts to create a radical, creative and collaborative approach to procurement. The scheme offers the chance to bring both new graduates and people who already have careers in business, management or professional practice into government procurement.

Successful applicants will initially join as executive officers and on completing the two-year programme can expect to be promoted to higher executive officers with the possibility of becoming tomorrow's government department heads of procurement and commercial directors.

As government procurement professionals, the successful applicants will play pivotal roles in the government's drive to gain best value for money from the £160 billion spent annually on public sector procurement.

Commenting on the scheme, OGC Chief Executive Nigel Smith said:

"The GPS Graduate Scheme brings in additional talent to join the large group of procurement professionals already operating across the public sector, who are delivering on the government's agenda to transform the way in which it handles procurement.

"This flagship GPS initiative represents a significant investment in the future of the GPS and demonstrates a commitment to learning and development in the service."

This year's participating departments include HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Anyone with, or expecting to achieve, a degree in a business or business-related subject, normally at 2:1 level or equivalent, may apply. The scheme's website www.ogcgraduates.co.uk is live now and includes:

• Complete details of the scheme;  
• A self-selection questionnaire, aimed at helping candidates decide if the demanding roles are right for them; 
• An on-line application form.

Notes to Editors

About the GPGS scheme

Features of the scheme include:

• Entry and selection - GPGS entry qualification requires a 2:1 (or above) degree in a business-related subject;
• Training and qualifications - the GPGS is a two-year learning and development scheme, studying for the Certificate of Competence in the first year and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) Graduate Diploma in the second year;
• Placements - all trainees are required to rotate among job placements in their home department in their first year and in external organisations in their second year;
• Mentoring - departments are required to nominate a mentor for each of their trainees;
• Intake events - OGC organises regular training events and workshops for the annual intake of trainees;
• Promotion opportunities - trainees are recruited at Executive Officer level or equivalent and are expected to be promoted to Higher Executive Officer or equivalent at the end of the scheme;
• Inter-departmental collaboration - managing the successful GPGS recruitment exercise has required (and achieved) the active collaboration and participation of all the departments that have contributed to the GPGS project.

The scheme was successfully launched in 2007, with 14 graduates taking up placements within government departments and agencies including HM Prison Service, Ministry of Justice and the Olympic Delivery Authority.

Selection will be on fair and open competition and regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or ethnic origin. We operate flexible working patterns within a non-smoking environment.

Applications are welcomed under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the post.

About OGC

The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) is an office of HM Treasury, responsible for improving value for money by driving up standards and capability in procurement, from commodities buying to the delivery of major capital projects, maximising the effective use of 60% of Government spending and a £30 billion property estate.

A new Government strategy launched in January 2007, Transforming Government Procurement, highlighted the central importance of procurement in delivering high-quality public services and best value for money. OGC is tasked with delivering this transformation, and with driving up standards and procurement capability across central Government. The OGC will do this through:

• Setting procurement standards and monitoring performance and capability; 
• Developing a cadre of skilled procurement professionals across Government; 
• Driving value for money through collaborative procurement; 
• Playing a stronger role in the successful delivery of major projects; 
• And improving management and use of the Government estate.

Media Contact:
Michael Dunning, Media Relations Manager
T: 020 7271 1318
F: 020 7271 1345
M: 07771 815245
E: michael.dunning@ogc.gsi.gov.uk

Contact details:
OGC Service Desk
Tel: 0845 000 4999
E-mail: ServiceDesk@ogc.gsi.gov.uk