Fast Stream Procurement Placements

"Procurement plays an essential role in delivering Government policy and in ensuring we do so in a cost efficient way.  A placement in this field is a great opportunity to build key skills and to make a real impact at the heart of delivering public service outcomes"   Sir Gus O'Donnell KCB, Cabinet Secretary

The Government Procurement Service (GPS) is piloting a new procurement placement option for members of the Civil Service Fast Stream. The scheme aims to offer a limited number of places in central government commercial roles.
 
The scheme will be of interest to Fast Stream members, as it will provide successful applicants with exposure to a range of procurement and commercial management roles, which are of increasing importance in government.

With government spending around £160 billion every year on goods and services, this vital role is of ever-greater significance. The scheme forms part of an overall strategy to improve the skills, capability and resources available in government to manage its commercial activities.

HM Treasury's Transforming Government Procurement report highlighted the challenge faced by the government procurement community to recruit new entrants to the profession, raise further the capability of the existing cadre of professionals and raise the profile of the profession.

The aim of this scheme is to equip our future Senior Civil Servants with a good understanding of the significance and complexity of procurement. For some, it may even lead to a move into senior commercial roles in Government. Completion of a procurement placement as a Fast Stream recruit will be a valuable entry on a CV.

Who can apply and how?

All members of the Fast Stream can apply as and when places become available. All procurement placements will be advertised to Fast Stream members via the Civil Service Gateway. As positions will be in a range of different departments, the application process will be explained individually for each post available.

Why is this of value?

Successful applicants will gain insight into an area of vital importance to government. Commercial skills are of increasing value on a CV. A procurement placement will also count as experience in either an operational delivery or corporate services activity, which is an element of completing the Fast Stream programme.

In addition to gaining valuable experience in the procurement environment, a placement will provide an opportunity to attain relevant qualifications accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply such as:

CIPS Level 4 - Foundation Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
The OGC/National School of Government Certificate of Competence in Purchasing and Supply

For more information on these qualifications, visit the CIPS website at: www.cips.org

What does the scheme involve?

Those enrolling on the scheme will undertake learning and development that will include:

• on-the-job development in an operational delivery/corporate services environment
• support from a highly skilled procurement mentor 
• affiliate membership of the Government Procurement Service 
• a formal professional qualification, funded by the GPS; and 
• work placements tailored to complement the Professional Skills for Government and GPS skills frameworks.

As well as being a good people manager, the mentor will be a highly skilled and experienced procurement professional.   The mentor will not usually be the grade manager.  Mentor responsibilities include:

• Liaison with the trainee to ensure achievement of individual training and development plan - monitoring of trainees progress
• Provide advice and guidance as required by the trainee on procurement and profession issues
• Liaison with line managers with the Department and with the FSPPO team on the placement

The scheme is endorsed by the GPS, the National School of Government and the Cabinet Office.

Where will the placements be?

So far two placements have been identified at the Olympic Development Authority and more placements are actively being sought.

As and when Departments 'sign up', the placements will be advertised to fast streamers via the Civil Service Gateway and GPS website. Please note that you will need to register on the Civil Service Website to view the vacancies.

Departments interested in participating who have a suitable vacancy identified should contact the GPS team.

How long will placements last?

Placements are likely to be for 12 to 18 months. During that time, the OGC GPS team will work with the Departmental Head of Profession and your the procurement mentor to ensure you arethe fast streamer is involved in as many different activities as possible.

What if the fast streamer wants to make procurement their career choice at the end of the placement?

Every assistance will be provided to help those wanting a permanent role in procurement management or help those wanting to develop advanced procurement skills and gain higher-level qualifications or professional membership.

How do I find out more?

Call the GPS Service Desk on 0845 000 4999 and ask to speak to a member of the Government Procurement Service team.