Graduated Procurement

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Published: 18 April 2007

Graduated Procurement

The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has unveiled a new Government Procurement Graduate Scheme.

The new scheme is one of the first signs of the reform to the Government Procurement Service (GPS) and aims to bring up to 13 high-calibre business graduates into government procurement roles by the autumn.

The successful graduates will be put through an accelerated two-year development programme, which will include procurement placements in a range of government departments.

Applying to join the scheme:

Anyone with, or expecting to achieve, a degree in a business or business-related subject, normally at 2:1 level or equivalent, may apply.

Interest can be registered by e-mailing contact details to OGCgrads@barkers.co.uk

The new scheme's website - http://www.ogcgraduates.co.uk - has gone live today and includes:

· complete details of the scheme

· a self-selection questionnaire, aimed at helping candidates decide if the demanding roles are right for them

· an on-line application form

A .pdf version of the application form is also available on request via the website or the OGC service desk.

Information about eligibility for the scheme and an information pack are also available from the OGC Service Desk on 0845 000 4999.

Peter Fanning, OGC's acting Chief Executive said:

"This new scheme will have a significant impact on raising the skill base across public sector procurement.

In the future, we anticipate some of our trainees will be controlling the procurement efforts of major government departments, making sure we get the best possible value for taxpayers' money in delivering excellent public services."

The programme involves both formal and on-the-job training leading to full membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) once the necessary professional experience has been gained.

Mark Pedlingham, OGC's Executive Director Markets, Supplier & Skills who has been leading the Reform of the Government Procurement Service said:

"After this pilot, we aim to deliver around 20 graduates a year to departments across central government, with the goal of establishing the next generation of commercial leaders in government.

This scheme is the most important recruitment initiative we've undertaken in procurement.

It offers the chance to bring both new graduates and people who already have careers in business, management or professional practice into government.

This will boost our efforts at establishing a radical, creative and collaborative approach to procurement and signal the move of the GPS toward a fully professional function."

Seven departments are supporting the scheme including HM Revenue and Customs and the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency.

The Reform of the Government Procurement Service is a key component of the Transforming Government Procurement report, which sets targets to:

· raise skills

· raise departmental capability

· scrutinise procurement projects and

· improve collaboration on procurement across government

Further information

OGC - Procurement

Procurement vacancies

Transforming Government Procurement

Government Procurement Service

Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)