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DfE and CIPS

Strengthening commercial capability in education: together, the DfE and CIPS work to create relevant learning pathways for staff in all types of state-funded schools or trusts across England. 

CIPS & DfE launch four year strategic partnership which aims to build and enhance procurement knowledge within the school’s sector.

The focus is on creating accessible, high-impact learning pathways for staff at state-funded schools and MATs across England to build and strengthen capability to ensure schools and trusts have access to the commercial expertise needed to secure the best value for money, as well as adhering to ethical and sustainable standards of practice.

To find out more, contact: emma.harley-cole@cips.org

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DfE case studies

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Orchard Hill

Orchard Hill College and Academy trust set out to transform its procurement function from a small, back-office operation to a high profile, value-adding contributor to its mission. CIPS Procurement Excellence Programme - regarded by the Trust as the equivalent of an Outstanding rating by Ofsted - was chosen to guide and fasttrack its development.

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Two people, a woman in a white dress and a man in a dark suit with a light blue tie, stand together holding a large, silver-framed certificate. The certificate is awarded to Nexus Multi Academy Trust for achieving the CIPS Procurement Excellence Standard Award. They are standing in front of a bright blue wall featuring a large white 'nexus' logo.

Nexus

Nexus Multi Academy trust had expanded rapidly in a sector facing serious resource challenges and inexperienced in procurement. The Trust turned to the CIPS Procurement Excellence Programme to guide the establishment of a brand new procurement function with excellence at its core.

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Star Academy

CIPS helps multi-academy trust to take procurement to the next level. Star Academies were aware of the impact the CIPS Procurement Excellence Programme has had on education outcomes for other multi-academy trusts, so they signed up!

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Red Kite Learning Trust

Red Kite Learning Trust is a multi-academy trust which went through a period of significant growth, increasing the number of schools it was responsible for and facing a number of challenges as the organisation became more complex and spend increased significantly.

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Download a FREE Procurement Benefits Tracker

This document is designed to help Multi-Academy Trusts track, evidence and report on the full range of benefits derived from procurement activity and influence. 

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Advance your knowledge

Procurement Fundamentals 1 day training course.

A facilitated virtual workshop covering essential procurement processes such as contract management and supplier appraisals. This training is particularly suitable for school business professionals who carry out procurement as part of their role as well as those new to their role.

CIPS Procurement Excellence Programme

The CIPS Procurement Excellence Programme is an independent, comprehensive procurement specific, assessment that will review your organisation’s procurement and supplier management procedures in targeted detail and highlight where improvements and efficiencies can be made. A number of MATs have already been through this process with CIPS.

Group Membership & Digital Academy

For teams of ten or more, our Group Membership option will enable you to enjoy all the benefits of a CIPS membership plus access to our Digital Academy and our Ethical Procurement & Supply e-learning and test.

CIPS Apprenticeships

If you would like to develop serious, long-term procurement capability within your organisation, a CIPS apprenticeship could be the answer. Apprenticeships are available for new hires and existing staff alike. You can use government funding or your apprenticeship levy to cover the cost. MAT's can gift their levy to other trusts or schools, or schools could bid for it. Alternatively, If you don’t pay the levy, you contribute just 5%, with the government covering the rest.

CIPS provides the full package: dedicated programme managers, one-to-ones, revision sessions, study materials, exam fees, and support right through to qualification. Training can take place virtually or on-site. Whatever works for you.

ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS

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