Procurement procedures

As a local authority, we are bound by three main regulatory strands that govern how we procure goods and services. These are European law, national guidance, and our own local rules that are contained in Cheshire Police Authority's constitution.

Individual departments are able to procure goods, services and works under delegated limits and place call off orders under framework contracts .

Where framework contracts exist and these are to be used, the procedures below will not apply. Purchases will be called off against these contracts as and when required. Where multiple contractor/supplier frameworks exist, selection will either be against pre-determined contract information or by mini-competition.

Tender opportunities:

Cheshire Constabulary tender opportunities will be advertised on www.bluelight.gov.uk. You can view all opportunities without registering. You can register for free.

You will be able to view and express interest in tender opportunities from Cheshire Constabulary as well as those from other participating Authorities. You can also receive automatic email notifications from this site of any future opportunities advertised.

For contracts which we do not advertise, suppliers should contact relevant departments directly to market their range of products and services. Delegated users may contact the Strategic Procurement Unit and request a search of the supplier database on www.bluelight.gov.uk to identify potential suppliers who they can invite to quote.

Contracts below £10,000

Contracts in this category would not normally be advertised. Delegated users will request at least one quotation from a suitably qualified supplier. Best practice would be to obtain a number of quotations against the same requirement or specification. Quotations may be verbal although written is recommended.

Contracts from £10,000 - £50,000

Contracts in this category would not normally be advertised . Delegated users will request a minimum of three quotations which must include a specification and delivery timescales/schedule against which a supplier must quote.

Contracts over £50,000

Contracts in this category would be advertised on www.bluelight.gov.uk. We may also use local press and relevant trade journals. Contracts over £50,000 would be signed under seal. Contracts over the current EU Threshold would also be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union.

More information

The following links will provide more information procurement procedures within Cheshire Constabulary:

Extract from Financial Regulations 2009 - Section 7 Procurement and Contracts

Extract from Financial Regulations 2009 - Section 7.16 Procurement Procedures

Cheshire Constabulary’s Standard Conditions of Contract for the supply of goods and services

You can contact us at:

Cheshire Constabulary
Strategic Procurement Unit
Headquarters Clemonds Hey
Oakmere Road
Winsford
Cheshire
CW7 2UA

Fax: 01606 36 2238
Tel: 01606 36  5742/2063/2213/2010
Email: procurement@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

A more detailed guidance can be found in How to do Business with Cheshire Constabulary

The Strategic Procurement Unit (SPU)

The Strategic Procurement Unit is responsible for:

  • Arranging contracts for goods, services and works through tendering
  • Use of framework agreements and collaborative procurement
  • Providing procurement and contract advice
  • Management of contracts and suppliers
  • Government Procurement Card

The supplies and purchasing function within the Strategic Procurement Unit is responsible for comprehensive service supplying various commodities including:

  • Uniform
  • Body Armour
  • Forms
  • Vehicle Equipment
  • Crime Scene Investigation Consumable

The objectives of the Strategic Procurement Unit are based on four recommendations set out in Cheshire Constabulary's Procurement Strategy:

  • To maximise the savings and productivity of Procurement
  • To reduce procurement processing costs
  • To satisfy our customers
  • To raise environmental awareness

Supplier Diversity Audit

Cheshire Constabulary have a legal duty to promote equality and diversity and are required to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment.

The Strategic Procurement Unit will help to ensure that Cheshire Constabulary are meeting their duties and responsibilities by undertaking the following:

Placing an expectation on our Suppliers to share and deliver our equality goals

Making sure that equality and diversity are taken into account when procuring goods, works or services from external providers

Monitoring our contracts for compliance by conducting a Diversity Audit and inviting Suppliers to explain how they are meeting their equality and diversity obligations.

Publishing Diversity Audit Information

Contacts

Head of Procurement - Anita Gibbs

Procurement Manager - Sandy Penny

Procurement Manager - Helen Elliott

Contracts Officer - Michelle Broadhurst

Supplies Manager - Wendy Burgess

Email: procurement@cheshire.pnn.police.uk