Wednesday 9th February 2022

Stone King Partner Julian Blake presented his views in a session discussing the Government’s response to Transforming public procurement consultation, hosted by the Oxford Procurement of Government Outcomes (POGO) Club. 

Entitled Transforming public procurement?, the session covered public procurement transformation initiatives, and explored other international reform efforts.

During the POGO Club discussion, Julian gave his views on the Government’s response document, including relief that the existing light-touch regime is to be maintained but hesitation around the enduring ‘competition law’ focus for commissioning that is laid out. He also draws on a ‘competitive flexible procedure’ earmarked by the Government’s response, which he highlights needs ‘to be flexible enough to cover all types of partnerships.’, as well as commercial, transactional service contracts.

He says:

“What is desirable from a public benefit and a public service perspective is to see more collaboration and partnership approaches develop. The new ‘flexible’ regime may allow for it, but doesn’t explicitly describe it.”

In March 2021, Julian Blake submitted representations to the consultation through various routes, including E3M, an initiative which brings together UK leaders in social enterprise and commissioning, and gave evidence to the House of Lords Public Services Committee on the consultation. 

The POGO Club is a knowledge sharing initiative focused on capacity building in public procurement and in collaboration to improve social outcomes and comprises participants from many different disciplines, sectors and countries.

To watch the full discussion, including Julian’s contribution, please visit Oxford POGO Club.

To read the government’s response to the Transforming Public Procurement green paper consultation, please click here.