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29 May 2008

Robinson promotes new guidance for public procurement

Finance Minister, the Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP MLA today helped launch guidance on equality of opportunity and sustainable development in public sector procurement.
Developed by the Central Procurement Directorate (within the Department of Finance & Personnel) and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland working under the auspices of the Northern Ireland Procurement Board, the guidance provides practical advice and case studies for policy makers and procurement professionals.
The guidance will also support the delivery of the Programme for Government, in particular the two cross-cutting themes of a shared future for all and sustainability.
Speaking at today’s launch in Belfast, Mr Robinson said:
“Public sector procurement expenditure by Northern Ireland Departments, their Agencies, Non-Departmental Public Bodies and Public Corporations, accounted for approximately £1.9billion of supplies, services and construction works in 2006 – 2007.
“This figure will rise significantly in the next three years under the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, which sets out a framework to deliver a further £6billion of spend. The new guidance will allow us to integrate equality of opportunity and sustainable development objectives in the procurement process in support of the delivery of the Executive’s priorities, as set out in the Programme for Government 2008 – 2011.
“Under the Northern Ireland Procurement Policy and EU Procurement rules, social, economic and environmental objectives can be integrated, as appropriate, within the procurement process. This guidance will assist policy makers and procurement practitioners in the integration of these objectives.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
  1. Today’s event was hosted by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland at its Headquarters at Equality House, Belfast. Guests included Chief Executives of local authorities, Northern Ireland Procurement Board members, and Commissioners from the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
  2. Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) have jointly drafted guidance, under the auspices of the Procurement Board, on integrating equality of opportunity and sustainable development into public sector procurement.
  3. The guidance was approved by the Procurement Board on 1 November 2007 and subsequently by the Northern Ireland Executive on 13 March 2008. It is supported by a stand alone summary document.
  4. The Procurement Board is currently chaired by the Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP MLA, Minister for Finance and Personnel. Membership of the Board comprises the Permanent Secretaries of the 11 Northern Ireland Departments, the Treasury Officer of Accounts, the Director of Central Procurement Directorate and two external experts. The Board has two observers representing the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Strategic Investment Board.. The Board meets twice yearly.
  5. Copies of the guidance and summary are available from the CPD and ECNI websites at: www.cpdni.gov.uk and www.equalityni.org
  6. Media enquiries only to DFP Press Office on 028 9052 7644 or 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.