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Government Procurement Service

The Government Procurement Service (GPS) is the professional group representing government procurement specialists. In response to the growing challenge to those in the GPS, it has been reformed to develop proactive support and a range of career options for those operating as procurement professionals and those working towards gaining professional status.

Better Measurement

Property Benchmarking study published online

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Introduction to the GPS

There is an increasing focus on efficient, value for money procurement in the public sector and greater recognition of the benefits that a well trained, professional procurement team.

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Procurement Vacancies

Looking for your next career move? Information on applying for procurement jobs and related posts, and links to vacancy websites, are available via the GPS Procurement Vacancies page.

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Reward Strategy

The Government Procurement Service is leading a cross government initiative to build the procurement profession by identifying reward and career structures that reinforce the recruitment and retention of high calibre professionals.

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Policy and Standards Framework

The framework is intended to be a comprehensive resource for procurers in government. We want GPS Members' on the framework to feed into an ongoing development programme.

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Membership options

The reformed Government Procurement Service (GPS) offers three membership levels.
  • Member - available to those with MCIPS, and a continuous professional development plan.
  • Associate - for those with a certificate of competence or equivalent.
  • Affiliate - for new students and those with a general interest in procurement issues.

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What's New

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Procurement Entry Schemes

Government Procurement Graduate Scheme

The scheme has been running for two years and there are now 21 graduate trainees on this accelerated two-year development programme in 13 Departments and Agencies. Applications for entry in September 2009 will be opening in January 2009.

Fast Stream Procurement Placement Option

An option for those on the Civil Service Fast Stream to gain valuable commercial experience, including exposure to a range of procurement and management roles - of increasing importance in government.

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Learning and Development Strategy

For the procurement profession.

The strategy sets standards for the design and delivery of standardised learning and development for professional procurement development, encouraging collaboration and linking with the Professional Skills for Government programme.

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Skills Development Directory

The pilot GPS Training Directory lists training, development and learning opportunities used across government, which may be of interest to GPS members. It supports the reformed GPS's goal of helping GPS members and government departments share relevant advice, information and access to services.

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Certificate of Competence Information

The Certificate of Competence in Purchasing and Supply develops knowledge and skills, providing an opportunity demonstrate professionalism. A growing number of departments offer a procurement allowance to staff in procurement posts, who hold the Certificate of Competence.

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Related links



OGC Gateway management reviews identify risks to programmes and projects and ensure that you deliver them on time and on budget. Government Relocation and Asset Management - streamlining the civil service and improving management of the civil estate. Centres of Excellence in programme and project delivery through your departments, agencies and non departmental public bodies. Programme & Project Management (PPM) Specialism helping developing careers. Key OGC products in the programme and project delivery chain include ITIL, PRINCE2, M_o_R and MSP.

Procurement policy supporting the implementation of European Union directives. Commodities, construction and facilities management procurement. Sustainable procurement. Efficiency Programme, eProcurement and eAuctions, improving supplier relationss and developing Best Practice, OGC works with the public sector to achieve efficiency, value for money and successful delivery of government projects. Expert advice, knowledge sharing by providing specialists, either as consultants or interim managers for your programme and project management.