Government Procurement Graduate Scheme

The Government Procurement Graduate Scheme (GPGS) is a procurement entry scheme set up and managed by the Government Procurement Service (GPS) in OGC. GPGS is a key part of the GPS strategy to ensure the availability of top-class procurement professionals for government. The scheme takes trainees through a two-year accelerated learning and development programme, including a variety of placements in procurement roles in their home department or agency.

There are two main elements of the scheme - formal professional training and exposure to different types of work experience. In the first year the trainees study for the Certificate of Competence in Purchasing and Supply and in the second year they study for the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Graduate Diploma. During the two years the trainees will rotate around the Department or Agency to gain a wider understanding of the procurement cycle and its application in their organisation. OGC GPS funds all the formal training. Once the trainees have finished the two-year scheme a further year's work experience will entitle holders to qualify for full membership of CIPS.

The trainees have a support network including a mentor in their home department, who acts as a guide and helps with their career development, and a buddy from a previous GPGS Cohort who can offer guidance and support as a peer. 
 
The scheme was launched in 2007 and participating organisations have included Central Office of Information, Department for International Development, Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs, HM Prison Service, Ministry of Justice, NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency, Office of Government Commerce, Olympic Delivery Authority Cabinet Office, Department for Children, Schools & Families, Department for Transport, Department for Work & Pensions, Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Highways Agency.

Sir Gus O'Donnell, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service has addressed the new recruits at an induction reception for three years running, in 2009, welcoming the new recruits, he said:

"In order to continue to deliver world-class public services, it is important to ensure the Civil Service is attracting outside talent, and that it provides the right environment to harness, foster and sustain this talent. 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."

Commenting on the scheme, OGC Chief Executive and Head of the GPS Nigel Smith said:
"This 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 initiative represents a significant investment in the future of the GPS and demonstrates a commitment to learning and development in the service. I am committed to investing in this graduate learning and development scheme as one of a number of initiatives to create a sustainable balance of appropriately skilled and suitably managed procurement professionals, to match the growing scale and complexity of the Government's delivery agenda."

Departments who are interested in participating should contact the GPS team at any time.

Applications for 2010 entry have now opened and will close on 26th March 2010. Graduates interested in the scheme can find out more and apply at www.bigprocurement.co.uk