Procurement Support for Independent Schools, Academy Trusts & FE Colleges

As school finances shrink, it is critical that schools (both independent and Academy Trusts) cluster regionally to share supplier intelligence and to enjoy economies of scale. However the successful co-ordination and ongoing procurement management of a cluster takes extra resource and procurement expertise which individual schools struggle to provide.

That's where we can assist - we're looking for potential clusters of schools within a region to make contact with us so that we can discuss how we might provide the procurement resource for the cluster. Each school in the cluster contributes a monthly fee which is low because they are sharing the resourcing cost with several others. If interested, please call 0800 254 0344.

For further reading around collaborative procurement in the schools sector, please download these two articles: "Purchasing Revolution" written by BSA in conjunction with the Independent Schools Portal aimed at the Independent Schools sector, and "The case for collaborative procurement" also written by BSA and aimed at Academy Trusts.

The case for collaborative procurement (Academy Trusts)

BSA Buying Group for Schools

Click on the PDF icon to download BSA's summary of benefits for Academy Trusts

Purchasing Revolution (Independent Schools)

Our Eco Schools Procurement Service - GreenBuying.co.uk

More schools are looking to buy "green" products to help them to become more sustainable and to obtain Green Flag status. Our sister website, www.GreenBuying.co.uk has been set up to help schools to buy 'best of British' eco friendly products and services online (i.e. recycled stationery, novelty recycling bins, non toxic cleaning supplies, educational resources around sustainability, children's playground equipment and benches made of recycled plastic, ethical telecoms and 100% renewable energy).

Further Education Colleges

I am very pleased that we decided to work with BSA. Their support with our various tender exercises has been invaluable and has helped Alton College secure best value which was recognised by Ofsted in their Best Practice Case Study in Value for Money. Stephen Forster, VP, Alton FE College

We're currently providing ongoing procurement support to several FE Colleges. Support includes tendering for higher value services, ensuring compliance with the European Procurement Regulations; staff training; price benchmarking; setting up service level agreements with key suppliers.

We've audited many College procurement functions - reviewing their procurement strategy, processes, procedures, staff skills, tendering and contract management capabilities. We've then provided action plans for efficiency improvements which result in significant cost savings and reduced supplier risk.

We were engaged by the National Audit Office to provide advice and assistance when they reviewed procurement across the FE College sector in England.

The BSA Suppliers have been brilliant all round, prices are VERY competitive (44% saving) and delivery is always spot on so no complaints at all. Mahbuba Begum, Manchester Communications Academy

Very happy with the service, was non intrusive and got on with the job that led to a 19% saving on our stationery costs.Mike Burtridge, Bishop Perowne C of E College

If you're an FE College Vice Principal (Finance) or School Bursar and are seeking ways to reduce supplier costs and ensure good governance in your purchasing practices then please call us on 0800 254 0344 for a discussion without obligation.

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