Keeping up to date on the Procurement Bill
As the health procurement system is politically-influenced, it is important for us to keep ahead of new developments and changes in legislation that affect our ways of working.
With this in mind, we spoke to Andrew Daly, Partner and Head of Procurement at Hempsons, about the changes coming with the new Procurement Bill.
“As you will all know, the Procurement Bill is currently making its way through Parliament. It is due back in the House of Lords in September. Once the Bill receives Royal Assent, there will be a period of time before the Procurement Act (as it will then be), will come into force. The current estimate is that the Act will be in force in October 2024.
“There have been two consultations on the regulations that will also be introduced. One closed last month, the second closes on 25 August. These regulations seek to set out some more detail around how the new regime will operate and the detail within them will need careful consideration, in particular on the requirements to publish notices.
“We also await more details on the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) – the new regime for the commissioning of healthcare services. The outcome of a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) consultation has just been published. Whilst not providing the detail of how some aspects of the PSR will work, it does indicate that there will be a review panel that will review decisions. We need more specifics to understand the implications.
“For current processes, and likely processes commenced before the new rules come in, the existing rules will continue to apply. These rules themselves have been amended, for example, by tweaks to reflect trade agreements. PPNs are being published – seven so far this year. These should be considered as they provide updates on key areas, for example the new standard Selection Questionnaire (see PPN 03/23). Case law continues to develop too, with a number of important cases so far this year. We can help you keep abreast of these changes.
“And whilst running your current processes, there is a need to consider how the new rules will impact on you. Once the legislation is finalised work can start in earnest on this. We will be providing training and can support you and your teams prepare for what 2024 and beyond holds in terms of procurement law.”
Hempsons is one of the awarded suppliers on our Legal Services framework. To find out more about accessing support from the providers on our framework, visit our framework page or contact our Support Desk.
Andrew Daly will be hosting an NOE CPC Legal Seminar on Procurement Law on 27 September, online via Microsoft Teams. The event will be for NOE CPC members only. Find out more or book a place: Hempsons Legal Seminar – Procurement Update.