#CommercialMatters: Insights from Caroline Brash on Enhancing Public Sector Procurement
As part of our #CommercialMatters theme for August, we spoke to Caroline Brash, Head of Training and Events, about the work and training she delivers on behalf of the Healthcare Supply Association (HCSA) to enhance the knowledge of public sector procurement professionals.
“For several years now, my colleagues and I at NOE CPC have been supporting the HCSA by delivering training to its registered members. By partnering with HCSA to deliver the suite of training they developed in-house, we feel we are contributing to the procurement profession on a national scale.
“This training initiative complements the training we provide to NOE CPC members and also to other NHS professionals through the various national Skills Development Networks. I’m incredibly passionate about the HCSA; I’ve been a member for as long as I can remember and have actively participated in delivering training on their behalf for several years.
“Recently, I became a National Council member for Yorkshire and Humber. I believe the procurement profession must have national representation, and I commend HCSA for its continued improvement in this area.
“The training I deliver for HCSA differs from the courses developed for our NOE CPC member organisations. The HCSA training, crafted by their training and development team, offers a foundational introduction to contract management and other topics, encompassing numerous subject matters that are familiar to those who have studied or are pursuing Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) qualifications.
“Cathy Griffiths recently joined the Learning and Development team at HCSA to enhance their training provision. She is focused on developing new materials and assessing areas for modernisation considering recent and upcoming development in NHS procurement, such as the Provider Selection Regime and the Procurement Act 2023, ensuring the training remains current.
“HCSA initiated member training a few years ago after identifying a gap in public sector procurement training that is specifically tailored to NHS procurement professionals. Whilst the CIPS qualification provides an excellent overview, there was a desire within HCSA to focus more closely on the unique aspects of NHS procurement and the legal parameters we operate within.
“Each course was developed by a qualified CIPS tutor, ensuring they met public sector needs while addressing specific requirements of NHS procurement. Recognising a gap, HCSA took the initiative to develop a comprehensive training portfolio for its members, which is what we see today.
“Traditionally, contract management in provider organisations hasn’t been a primary focus. While our commissioning colleagues have a strong reputation in this area, provider organisations often view contract management as a reactive, firefighting task. However, there is now a growing recognition of the need to invest in contract management. The NHS excels in tendering, purchasing, and procurement, but continuous value extraction through effective contract management has often been overlooked. Many organisations are now investing in training for existing staff and hiring dedicated contract managers to bolster their procurement teams, reflecting a significant shift towards enhancing these crucial skills.
“HCSA’s contract management training course attracts a diverse audience, from seasoned procurement professionals to newcomers. Experienced colleagues often seek to validate their knowledge, while newcomers gain foundational insights. Regardless of experience level, the course emphasises the importance of prioritising and segmenting contracts and suppliers due to the limited capacity to manage every contract holistically.
“I believe continuing professional development is vital for everyone, irrespective of career stage. The Procurement Act 2023 has highlighted the importance of contract management, stressing the need for ongoing learning and development. While not all trusts have budgets for training, HCSA’s free training modules for members are a valuable resource that enhances attendees’ self-worth and self-belief in their abilities to do their jobs.
“I am excited about the future of HCSA’s training offerings. There is always room for improvement, and I am eager to contribute to the delivery and enhancement of these training packages to ensure they remain relevant and impactful, and attendees are getting the most out of them.”
Caroline is delivering a series of training on contract management for HCSA. Registered HCSA members can attend for free by signing up for one of the following upcoming sessions:
Managing Contracts – 24 September 2024 (virtual)
Managing Contracts – 11 December 2024 (virtual)
Managing Contracts – 4 March 2025 (virtual)
If you have any questions about NOE CPC’s training and events, please click here to visit our Events and Training webpage or contact our Support Desk at enquiries@noecpc.nhs.uk.