Updated: Training dates document updated.
The 2014 EU Procurement Directives have been adopted by the EU institutions and were published in the Official Journal of the EU on 28 March 2014. They came into force on 17 April 2014. EU member states now have 2 years to implement them in national legislation.
The government is aiming to transpose (implement) these directives quickly so that the UK can benefit as soon as possible from the improved flexibilities they offer. Here we will keep you up to date on progress in Brussels, UK transposition of the directives and where to access free training.
The directives
Public Sector: Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC – view the EU Procurement Directive (Public Sector)
Concessions: Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contracts – view the EU Procurement Directive (Concessions)
Utilities: Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and repealing Directive 2004/17/EC – view the EU Procurement Directive (Utilities)
Progress in Brussels
The EU process is complete. See the government’s press release that welcomes European Parliament approval: EU to open up public procurement following UK government lobbying.
Implementing the directives
Where the directives allow member states a choice on whether or how to implement a particular provision, Cabinet Office have issued discussion papers and will consider responses. For more information please see Procurement Policy Note 05/13. We will launch a formal consultation on the draft implementing regulations in due course.
Lord Young’s reforms
Lord Young’s May 2013 report, Growing Your Business recommended a number of key reforms to create a simple and consistent approach to procurement across all public sector agencies. This would support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary organisations in gaining better and more direct access to contract opportunities.
The government has accepted these reforms and will introduce new legislation later this year.
Training
Cabinet Office has developed a free package of supporting materials with guidance on the new regulations. We are working with sector leads to coordinate a series of 1 day training sessions for public sector organisations. Dates for free face-to-face training are available on this page along with details of how to register.
Registration for e-learning resources is now open. Places are limited so reserve yours at https://ccs.skillsserve.com. You will receive a notification email when the e-learning package is available.
Book a training session
Please complete the respective application form for your chosen date and send this to EURegistration@cabinet-office.gsi.gov.uk with the venue name and date in the subject line.
Public sector training
Dates for public sector training sessions
PDF, 209KB, 4 pages
Public sector: application form for EU Directives training
MS Excel Spreadsheet, 20.5KB
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request a different format.
If you use assistive technology and need a version of this document
in a more accessible format please email
publiccorrespondence@cabinet-office.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("Public sector: application form for EU Directives training").
Voluntary sector training
2 training sessions are being organised specifically for contracting authorities in the voluntary sector. The first date is now available for registration:
16 July 2014 at Bircham Dyson Bell, 50 The Broadway, London, SW1H 0BL
30 July 2014 at Bates Wells Braithwaite, Scandinavian House, 2-6 Cannon Street, London EC4M 6YH
Voluntary sector: application form for EU Directives training
MS Excel Spreadsheet, 20.5KB
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request a different format.
If you use assistive technology and need a version of this document
in a more accessible format please email
publiccorrespondence@cabinet-office.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("Voluntary sector: application form for EU Directives training").
Utilities
Training sessions for contracting entities under the Utilities Directive will take place on:
22 July 2014
25 July 2014
All sessions will take place at Severn Trent Water Limited, Severn Trent Centre, 2 St Johns Street, Coventry, CV1 2LZ.
Utilities: application form for EU Directives training
MS Excel Spreadsheet, 20.5KB
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request a different format.
If you use assistive technology and need a version of this document
in a more accessible format please email
publiccorrespondence@cabinet-office.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("Utilities: application form for EU Directives training").
Northern Ireland public sector
Training sessions have been organised for contracting authorities in Northern Ireland
11 June 2014
12 June 2014
All sessions will take place at McAuley House, 2-14 Castle Street, Belfast, BT1 1SA.
Public sector: application form for EU Directives training
MS Excel Spreadsheet, 20.5KB
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request a different format.
If you use assistive technology and need a version of this document
in a more accessible format please email
publiccorrespondence@cabinet-office.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("Public sector: application form for EU Directives training").
Wales public sector
Value Wales will coordinate training sessions for Welsh professionals.
About the training
Please note that places on these sessions will be limited so we would generally expect only 1 delegate per organisation. If you need more than 1 place please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. Because places are limited, if you fail to attend a booked course, we may not be able to offer an alternative date. Training runs from 9:45am to approximately 16:30pm.
Once registered you will receive a confirmation email providing full information and instructions. We will issue materials to you 1 week before your session: you must bring these with you as we are unable to provide copies on the day.
Delegates need to make own arrangements for lunch and refreshments as these are not provided: please check with the venue for available facilities.