News

Government Procurement Service welcomes third annual graduate cohort

Released on 23/11/2009

The Government Procurement Service (GPS), based within the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), has welcomed a third intake of graduate trainees to its Government Procurement Graduate Scheme (GPGS). The GPGS is part of the GPS' strategy to attract new talent and further raise the procurement skills base across the public sector; and boost its ability to foster a creative and collaborative approach to procurement.

Launched in 2007, the GPGS has already proven to be a successful opportunity for graduates to learn on the job, gaining hands on experience of government purchasing. All 19 of the 2007 and 2008 graduates have passed their final procurement Certificate of Competence exams, with several achieving distinctions. The first cohort is nearing the end of its programme, and those involved hope to be fully 'qualified' early next year.

Welcoming the new recruits, Sir Gus O'Donnell, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service, said:

"The GPGS is a key programme to ensure government continues to strengthen and professionalise the procurement profession in central government. I welcome the contribution that the GPGS makes to the expertise and professionalism of the Civil Service.

"The GPGS is a great opportunity for those seeking a career in procurement, and the scheme aims to create a potential source of future Commercial Directors in departments. I wish this year's trainees luck in their first year."

Commenting on the scheme, OGC Chief Executive and Head of the GPS Nigel Smith said:

"The GPGS shows that we are thoroughly committed to further increasing professionalism in government. As such, the scheme contributes to strengthening the Government Procurement Service and adds to its professionalism.

"The scheme also shows the importance of procurement and the contribution made by procurement professionals to support the public sector in improving efficiency, generating value for money and delivering world class services to taxpayers."

The scheme offers the chance to bring graduates into government procurement. Successful applicants initially join as Executive Officers and on completing the two year learning and development programme are better placed to be promoted, with the aim of going on to become future commercial leaders in the public sector.

Working as government procurement professionals, the successful applicants will play pivotal roles in the Government's drive to gain best value for money from the £220 billion spent annually on public sector procurement. Along with the existing graduates, the new intake of 23 graduates will be posted across twelve government departments and agencies. Overall, 20 departments and agencies now participate in GPGS. 

Graduate Hari Rentala based at the Cabinet Office said:

"The short time I've been in post has confirmed for me that the procurement profession also involves a sizable human component, requiring the ability to successfully partner with both client and supplier to achieve the desired outcome.

"I am eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to get my hands dirty, supporting some of my colleagues in running their procurements from start to finish.  I feel I've got my head round much of the theory of procurement law and process, and will relish the opportunity to put some of this into practice."

Notes to editor

Photos of the graduates meeting Sir Gus O'Donnell at the launch event on 12 November at Westminster Central Hall are available upon request.

For more information on GPGS visit:

http://www.ogc.gov.uk/procurement_entry_schemes_government_procurement_graduate_scheme_.asp

For more comments from graduates on the GPGS visit:

http://www.ogc.gov.uk/hosting_a_graduate_the_gpgs_experience.asp

About the Government Procurement Service (GPS)

The GPS is leading the programme across Whitehall to champion the procurement profession within the Civil Service and build capability. The GPGS is one of a raft of initiatives delivered by the GPS to tackle these challenges, others include creating a government community and network for professionals across Whitehall (at around 4,000 procurement personnel this is one of the largest professional networks in the Civil Service); the creation of a procurement placement option for Civil Service Fast Streamers; development of learning & development initiatives and professional standards; provision of career development support and advice.

About OGC

The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) is an independent office of HM Treasury, established to help Government deliver best value from its spending.  The OGC works with central Government departments and other public sector organisations to ensure the achievement of six key goals:

• Delivery of value for money from third party spend;
• Delivery of projects to time, quality and cost, realising benefits;
• Getting the best from the Government's £30bn estate;
• Improving the sustainability of the Government estate and operations, including reducing carbon emissions by 12.5% by 2010-11, through stronger performance management and guidance;
• Helping achieve delivery of further Government policy goals, including innovation, equality, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs);
• And driving forward the improvement of central Government capability in procurement, project and programme management, and estates management through the development of people skills, processes and tools. 

OGC provides policy standards and guidance on best practice in procurement, projects and estate management, and monitors and challenges departments' performance against these standards, grounded in an evidence base of information and assurance.  It promotes and fosters collaborative procurement across the public sector to deliver better value for money and better public services; and it provides innovative ways to develop Government's commercial and procurement capability, including leadership of the Government Procurement Service.

Media contact:
Michael Dunning, Media Relations Manager, OGC
T: 020 7271 1318
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