Gwynedd Council’s innovative online procurement system for schools has been recognised at a prestigious UK-wide awards ceremony.
Gwynedd was the only Welsh Council to be nominated for an award at the Local Government Chronicle 2010 awards, and were “Highly Commended” by judges in the procurement category award.
Councillor Dyfed Edwards, Gwynedd Council Leader said: “The fact that our new online trading service for schools has been recognised on a UK-wide level is a huge vote of confidence in the service provided by the Council.
“As a Council, we are determined to deliver real value-for-money for Gwynedd residents. The high praise from the judges at the LGC awards underlines that we are leading the way in delivering new and more efficient ways of working.
“Congratulations to the Council officers, and staff at individual schools throughout the county that have been instrumental in the success of this innovative scheme.”
The success at the LGC awards comes as Welsh Assembly Government Minister Jane Hutt, visited Ysgol Tryfan. The Bangor secondary school was one of the schools which trialled the e-procurement initiative before it was rolled out to schools across Gwynedd.
Speaking during her visit to Ysgol Tryfan, the Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Budget & Business, Jane Hutt said: “It’s great to be here at Ysgol Tryfan to witness first hand how efficient the xchangewales eTrading for schools system can be. The system will assist our schools in being more competitive in the market and get the best value for money on goods and services. It will also reduce time staff takes on procurement activities, allowing more time on core activities.”
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.
Geraint George, Head of Gwynedd Council’s Strategic and Improvement Department added: “These are very challenging times, and Gwynedd Council is committed to innovate in order to improve efficiency and achieve better value for money. As the only Welsh Council to be recognised at the LGC awards, we are very proud of our achievement.
“The online procurement system means that the Council can gain quick and easy access to a range of products. Suppliers also benefit as xchangewales provides a standard platform for them to trade with a range of public bodies throughout Wales.”
The e-procurement 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, and it is now operational in 90% of schools.
