Improving efficiency: collective procurement of aids and adaptations.

The squeeze on public spending means that getting the best deals throughout supply chains is more important than ever. Local authorities are being asked to become more efficient and deliver 'more for less'.  Every year almost a quarter of a billion pounds is spent on housing adaptations and the current system for purchasing adaptations equipment sees over 300 local authorities purchasing small quantities of equipment from the same manufacturers. Collective procurement of adaptations equipment could enable home improvement agencies (HIAs) to develop opportunities for better supply-chain management and greater purchasing efficiencies.

Over the last few months Foundations and Procurement for Housing have been working with a number of local authorities and HIAs to pilot the adoption of collective procurement practice for aids and adaptations.

At the upcoming Foundations Annual HIA Conference 2010: Local Markets, New Responses - A Sea Change for Services, Alan Heron, Senior Procurement Manager at PfH and Douglas Stem, Development Consultant for Foundations will be running a fringe session on ‘Improving efficiency: collective procurement of aids and adaptations’.

This fringe session will give delegates access to the best practice identified so far, and more information on the recently launched EU compliant PfH Materials Agreement which provides a 'one stop shop' for users who will benefit from bespoke purchasing arrangements for equipment such as chair lifts, bath lifts and ramps.

To find our more about the Conference and to book your place, click here.