'Procurement' is the term used for the full range of goods and services Ashford Borough Council requires and delivers. From the identification of a need to provide the service to sourcing and appointment of the service provider and thereafter, the management of those services or goods provided.

Ashford Borough Council is committed to providing 'Best Value' through procurement in line with the Governments 'National Procurement Strategy'. The National Procurement Strategy places a duty on the council to provide the following:

The National Procurement Strategy Agenda

Providing Leadership and building capacity

By end of 2004 Every council to adopt corporate procurement strategy that is

• Based on Best Value or other review
• Owned by members and senior managers
• Monitored regularly

By end of 2005 All councils involved with regional centre of excellence

By end of 2006 Districts to have conducted National Strategy progress health check

Partnering and Collaboration

By end of 2004 Procurement Strategy sets out approach to:

• Partnering for services and construction
• Collaboration (and use of trading powers)
• BVR's / Strategic reviews to challenge service delivery models

By end of 2005

• Official Journal of European Union (OJEU) to contract award reduced by 10% (cw 2003)
• Regional CofEs to lead shared service approach to procurement
• Opportunities for collaboration with neighbour councils identified

By end of 2006 OJEU contract award reduced by 25% (cw 2003)

Stimulating Markets and Achieving Community Benefits

By end of 2004 Selling to the Council guide published on website

• Procurement Strategy must link with Community Plan and address: Workforce issues, Diversity, equality, sustainability and Ways to encourage supplier diversity
• Compact with voluntary and community sector in place
• Partnership procurements to follow specific rules

By end of 2005

• Further rules on partnership procurements
• All councils to adopt national concordat for Small to Medium Enterprises (SME's)

Ashford Borough Council embraces the National Procurement Strategy and is well placed to deliver the requirements highlighted above.