GPS Skills Framework for Procurement Practitioners

GPS Skills Framework for Procurement Practitioners

Background

The Government Procurement Service (GPS) Skills Framework for Procurement Practitioners has been developed as a response to Transforming Government Procurement (see section 2.4 'Raising Skills'). A number of Departments already have comprehensive procurement/commercial competence or skills frameworks; this framework has therefore been created as a Government-wide standard to help those organisations that either do not have something similar in place, or that wish to enhance the frameworks they already have.

This framework is the result of consultation with procurement professionals, and/or the learning and development professionals who support them. In addition, the following sources of information were reviewed: the National Occupational Standards for Supply Chain Management; the Civil Service Professional Skills for Government (PSG); previous OGC skills frameworks, such as the Successful Delivery Skills Framework and the earlier GPS competency profile; Chartered Institute for Purchasing and Supply qualifications.

It was agreed during the development phase that, for flexibility of use by different organisations, the GPS Skills Framework should not be linked to Civil Service grades. It therefore does not directly correlate with the Professional Skills for Government (PSG) structure, whilst reflecting the same themes in greater depth. Duplication with PSG Core Skills has been avoided.

Download - GPS Skills Framework for Procurement Practitioners (RTF, 1.41MB)

How the GPS Skills Framework can be used

The framework should be used in conjunction with the PSG Core Skills and Departmental competence frameworks for relevant grades.  It has a number of applications that include developing job descriptions, career development planning, team building and restructuring.

The GPS Skills Framework for Procurement Practitioners is intended to be a dynamic tool reflecting changes to procurement policy and process.  The first review of the GPS Skills Framework for Procurement Practitioners was therefore conducted in January 2008 to incorporate additional skills sets identified by users.  These enhancements include sections on Category Management, Collaborative Procurement and Corporate Social Responsibility.  Another refresh is scheduled for summer 2008 and will include a section on commissioning.

The tool will be reviewed bi-annually.  If you have any comments or contributions to make, or have questions about how to use the GPS Skills Framework for Procurement Professionals, please let us know through the OGC Service Desk via ServiceDesk@ogc.gsi.gov.uk or phone 0845 000 4999. Please also let us know how you and your Department are making use of this framework.