Introduction
It is hard to believe that three years have passed since I wrote the introduction to our previous strategy . But when I look back on all that has been achieved since then , it seems even more remarkable that it all took place in just three years !
Local government is truly leading the field in the impact it is delivering through procurement , and I am proud that Scotland Excel has played a pivotal role in helping to achieve this . I say this not to gain credit for our organisation , but to applaud the difference that procurement is making for communities across Scotland .
In our sector , procurement has always been about people – getting the best for those who use essential public services . With demand continuing to rise , and the pressure on budgets increasing , it is more important than ever that we use the power of procurement to help secure the future delivery of high quality services at a sustainable cost .
It is no surprise therefore that our new strategy will see us extending the reach of our social care portfolio . Since 2011 , we have steadily increased the number of social care contracts we offer , all of which support national policies to ensure the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in our society . This year , we begin the development of two new frameworks for older people ’ s care home services and adult care and support services .
Another fundamental aspect of wellbeing is ensuring that people have access to affordable homes . I am delighted that Scotland Excel has secured funding to develop a national framework for new build housing . This contract will significantly shorten procurement timescales for new build projects , helping to deliver the Scottish Government ’ s commitment to build 50,000 affordable homes by 2021 .
As champions of procurement , we remain committed to increasing procurement and commercial capability within our sector to ensure that councils get the most from their local procurement activities . Over the past two years , our learning and development and business change services have been transformed to ensure we can keep pace with the demands of our members as their professional and organisational capability matures .
In particular , our learning and development programme has taken a leap forward with the Scotland Excel Academy . Our new strategy will see us roll out a wide range of accredited qualifications , practitioner workshops and thought leadership masterclasses that take a holistic view of the skills and attributes of successful procurement leaders . These professional learning opportunities will complement a business change programme which includes both sector-wide initiatives and local consultancy projects .
While our focus is first and foremost with our local authority members , I have been pleased to welcome new customers to our organisation in recent years . In April 2017 , we launched a programme of procurement services for housing associations , and I firmly believe that there are significant synergies and benefits to be realised through councils and housing associations working together with Scotland Excel .
Indeed , I am convinced that Scotland Excel has the potential to deliver services for many other public and third sector organisations . Over the past ten years , we have developed a wealth of expertise in procurement , learning and development and business change that we can offer to new customers at a competitive cost . And as a non-profit organisation , every penny made is reinvested to develop , expand or sustain services for all of our stakeholders .
Our new strategy is very much about growth . Scotland Excel is at its heart a forward-thinking organisation , and we are constantly identifying new opportunities that have the potential to deliver substantial benefits for customers , communities and people across Scotland . To ensure that we can achieve these ambitions , we will be looking at new services , new markets and new funding models to underpin our growth and secure our future .
I hope this strategy will convince you of our commitment and capability to achieve our aims . As we celebrate our tenth anniversary , I believe Scotland Excel has an impressive track record to look back on , and is in a great position to realise its future goals . I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff , stakeholders and customers for your invaluable support along the way . I look forward to working with you as we continue on our journey .
Julie Welsh Director , Scotland Excel
6 | Shared Vision , Shared Success . Our Corporate Strategy 2018 – 2023