PfH latest....

PfH shortlisted for two prestigious purchasing awards.

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) has shortlisted PfH for 'Best Purchasing Initiative by a Smaller Organisation' and Julie Craig for 'CIPS Purchasing and Supply Management Professional of the Year' at the 'Supply Management Awards 2008' to be held in September. The shortlisting for 'Best Purchasing Initiative by a Smaller Organisation' is recognition for the major impact the consortium has had in the social housing sector since its inception in 2004. PfH has already saved the sector over £15 million and with its ambitious plans to expand its portfolio of EU compliant Agreements significantly over the next 12 months, the impact it will have for its 630+ Member organisations will become even greater.

Julie Craig, Director of PfH has led her team to some outstanding achievements in the consortium's four years of operation. Not only successful in delivering huge savings for almost 60% of the UK's social housing sector, she has been responsible for new and innovative procurement practices through the introduction of a purchasing account card; sustainable procurement initiatives; and strategic and operational procurement workshops for social housing sector employees. Her shortlisting for 'CIPS Purchasing and Supply Management Professional of the year' is fully deserved.

CIPS is the leading international body representing purchasing and supply chain management and was awarded the royal charter in 1992. The Awards, designed to celebrate and reward excellence in the field, are hugely respected and this is reflected in the blue chip list of fellow shortlisted companies which includes: Marks and Spencer; BAE Systems; Ministry of Defence; BP; BBC; NHS; Sony; and Mars. The Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 4 September at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

What do our Members REALLY think about Central Billing?

PfH has conducted its largest ever survey of Central Billing in order to find out how its Members rate the service, what they find helpful and where they'd like to see improvements. The survey was sent to all Central Billing users within PfH Member housing organisations and we received an excellent response.

So, what is Central Billing doing right?

Overall, Members confirmed that Central Billing is easy to set up, use and understand and that it's a highly valued part of PfH's service. The vast majority of Members also stated that it helps them process invoices and saves administration time.

How can Central Billing be improved?

One of the key aims of this questionnaire was to identify areas within the service that need to be enhanced and ensure the system is improved to meet Members' needs.

26 survey respondents said they would be willing to join a Central Billing user group. This group will meet twice a year and work closely with PfH's Central Billing team to address all the issues raised in the survey and enhance the service. The User Group will be instrumental in developing the technology behind a new system and will be involved in beta testing and trialling its capability before its projected launch early next year.

Lesley Haven, Central Billing Manager said: "PfH's aim is to launch a new and improved Central Billing Service that will meet the needs of its Members for years to come. The new user group will help us to analyse the questionnaire results, shape the structure and format of the new system, and develop the information it will provide. It's vital that we listen to the feedback from those housing providers that use the service everyday. Their input will help us provide the technology and data that will make their life easier."

PfH will keep Members up to date with the timeline for development of the Central Billing service. If you have any queries please contact the PfH Team.
e: info@procurementforhousing.co.uk
t: 01457 891 906

Office Depot wins Innovation Award!

We are delighted to announce that Office Depot beat off hundreds of applicants to win the 2008 BSI ISO14001 Innovation Award!

This award has been running for two years now, it is run by the British Standards Institute and is open to any organisation in the UK which has ISO14001. Office Depot won based on their strong commitment to assisting customers in reducing their impact on the environment, through innovative tools such as the Enlighten website and the environmental workbook.
For more details visit: http://www.bsigroup.com/iso14001awards