Gwynedd Council is one of just six councils from across the UK to be shortlisted for a prestigious public service award.
Gwynedd is the only Welsh council to be nominated in the Local Government Chronicle 2010 awards – the highlight of the industry calendar and which recognises the success and achievements of the very best in local government. Gwynedd has been shortlisted for its use of innovative online procurement.
As part of the xchangewales programme, Gwynedd Council is increasing its use of electronic procurement, allowing it to source, tender, evaluate, order and pay for goods and services at the click of a button. The new Wales-wide programme also means that it is easier for suppliers to trade with public sector organisations throughout Wales.
Gwynedd Council Leader, Councillor Dyfed Edwards said: “Delivering real value-for-money is a top priority for Gwynedd Council. We anticipate that this new online trading service – which makes it easier for the Council and its suppliers – will help to save approximately £500,000 for the Council by 2012/13.
“The fact that Gwynedd has been selected as one of just six finalists from throughout the UK is a testament to the success of this innovative project, and shows that we are leading the way in our efforts to find new and more efficient ways of working.”
Public sector bodies across Wales are working collaboratively to establish xchangewales as the prime electronic procurement system for Wales. The system is free for suppliers and covers the entire procurement life-cycle; from tendering for jobs to transmitting orders and invoices electronically in a secure online environment.
Geraint George, Head of Strategy and Improvement at Gwynedd Council added: “Our e-procurement programme is one of Gwynedd Council’s corporate initiatives to modernise and improve the services we deliver to Gwynedd residents.
“The Council’s suppliers also benefit as xchangewales provides a standard platform for them to trade with us, as well as other public bodies throughout Wales.”
The system is operational in all Secondary Schools and is already delivering benefits in the form of more streamlined processes and savings on their purchases. The Council is now rolling out the programme to the remaining primary schools with all schools expected to be operational very soon.
The winners of the Local Government Chronicle 2010 awards will be announced in March.
