Thornton & Lowe offers comprehensive procurement audit services to help organisations assess their current procurement practices, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to optimise performance. Our procurement audit process includes:

1. Review and benchmark current service: We will conduct a thorough review of your existing procurement service, assessing its effectiveness, efficiency, and alignment with industry best practices. By benchmarking your service against similar organisations in your sector, we can identify areas where you are excelling and those that require improvement.
2. Assess people, plant, and equipment: Our team will evaluate your current procurement team, their skills, and the resources available to them. We will assess the adequacy of your plant and equipment to support your procurement activities and identify any gaps or inefficiencies.
3. Analyse current documentation, specifications, contracts, budgets, schedules, performance data, GIS mapping, technology, and equipment: We will conduct a detailed analysis of your existing procurement documentation, including specifications, contracts, budgets, schedules, and performance data. We will also review your use of technology, such as GIS mapping and other procurement-related tools, to assess their effectiveness and identify potential improvements.
4. Compare costs with similar organisations in the sector: By comparing your procurement costs with those of similar organisations in your sector, we can identify areas where you may be overspending or where there are opportunities for cost savings. This benchmarking exercise will help inform our recommendations for improving your procurement practices.
5. Conduct site audits and workshops: Our team will conduct site audits to observe your procurement processes in action and identify any bottlenecks or inefficiencies. We will also facilitate workshops with your procurement team and other stakeholders to gather insights and ideas for improvement.
6. Evaluate implications of alternative delivery models: We will assess the potential implications of alternative delivery models, such as outsourcing, collaboration, or using frameworks, on your procurement practices. This evaluation will help inform our recommendations for optimising your procurement approach.
7. Develop options appraisal, business case, and recommendations: Based on our findings from the procurement audit, we will develop an options appraisal and business case outlining the potential benefits, costs, and risks associated with different improvement strategies. We will provide clear recommendations for enhancing your procurement practices, aligned with your organisational goals and priorities.
8. Produce service improvements report: Finally, we will produce a comprehensive service improvements report, summarising our findings, recommendations, and proposed next steps. This report will serve as a roadmap for transforming your procurement practices and driving lasting improvements in performance and value for money.

By conducting a thorough procurement audit with Thornton & Lowe, you can gain valuable insights into your current procurement practices, identify areas for improvement, and develop a clear strategy for optimising your procurement function.

Our outsourced procurement services include:

1. Project management and leadership: Our experienced procurement professionals will provide end-to-end project management and leadership support throughout the procurement process. We will work closely with your team to understand your requirements, develop a clear procurement strategy, and ensure that the project stays on track and within budget.
2. Develop and approve specifications: We will assist you in developing clear, comprehensive, and commercially viable specifications for your procurement. Our team will work with you to understand your needs and requirements, conduct market research, and engage with potential suppliers to ensure that your specifications are robust and fit-for-purpose.
3. Create procurement pack (SQ, ITT, evaluation criteria, weightings): We will develop a complete procurement pack, including the Selection Questionnaire (SQ), Invitation to Tender (ITT), evaluation criteria, and weightings. Our team will ensure that the procurement pack is compliant with all relevant regulations and best practices, and that it effectively communicates your requirements to potential suppliers.
4. Manage notices, portal, and clarification questions: We will manage the end-to-end tender process, including publishing notices, managing the procurement portal, and responding to clarification questions from potential suppliers. Our team will ensure that all communication is clear, timely, and compliant with procurement regulations.
5. Develop model answer structures for evaluation: To support a fair and transparent evaluation process, we will develop model answer structures for each evaluation criterion. These model answers will provide a clear and consistent framework for assessing supplier responses and will help to ensure that the evaluation process is objective and defensible.
6. Form and coach evaluation panel: We will work with you to form an evaluation panel comprising key stakeholders and subject matter experts. Our team will provide coaching and guidance to the panel to ensure that they understand the evaluation process, the criteria, and the model answer structures, and that they are able to make informed and objective decisions.
7. Coordinate and moderate evaluation: Our team will coordinate and moderate the evaluation process, ensuring that it is conducted fairly and consistently. We will facilitate evaluation meetings, record scores and feedback, and provide guidance and support to the evaluation panel throughout the process.
8. Conduct due diligence: We will conduct comprehensive due diligence on the preferred supplier(s) to ensure that they have the financial stability, technical capability, and organisational capacity to deliver the contract. This may include financial checks, references, and site visits.

Thornton & Lowe provides expert support in contract implementation and management, helping organisations ensure a smooth transition to new agreements and driving successful outcomes. Our services include:

1. Support the creation of governance and reporting: We will work with your team to establish robust governance structures and reporting mechanisms for your contracts. This includes defining clear roles and responsibilities, setting up communication channels, and establishing regular reporting cycles. By putting in place effective governance and reporting processes, you can ensure transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making throughout the contract lifecycle.
2. Assist in the transition to new agreement, ensuring supplier commitments are met: Our team will support you during the transition phase to new contracts, helping to ensure that supplier commitments are met and that the transition is as smooth as possible. We will work with you to develop a detailed transition plan, identifying key milestones, risks, and mitigation strategies. We will also liaise with your suppliers to ensure that they are fully prepared and equipped to meet their obligations under the new agreement.
3. Train and support staff on key objectives, service levels, KPIs, monitoring tools, escalation, and performance management: To ensure that your team is equipped to effectively manage contracts, we will provide comprehensive training and support. This includes training on key objectives, service levels, and KPIs, as well as on the use of monitoring tools and escalation processes. We will also provide guidance on performance management, helping your team to identify and address any issues or concerns in a timely and effective manner.
4. Develop contract management framework and tools: We will work with you to develop a tailored contract management framework and a suite of tools to support effective contract management. This may include templates for performance reporting, risk registers, issue logs, and change control processes. By providing a structured framework and a range of practical tools, we can help your team to manage contracts more efficiently and effectively, reducing the risk of disputes and ensuring that you achieve the desired outcomes.

Thornton & Lowe has extensive experience working with public sector organisations to ensure procurement compliance across various regulations and frameworks. Our team has a deep understanding of the evolving procurement landscape, including:

1. OJEU and EU procurement: We have successfully navigated the complexities of the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and EU procurement rules, helping organisations achieve compliance and meet their procurement objectives.
2. Brexit-related procurement changes: Our experts have stayed up-to-date with the procurement changes brought about by Brexit, ensuring that our clients are well-prepared and compliant with the new regulations.
3. Public Contract Regulations (PCR) 2015: We have a thorough understanding of the PCR 2015 and have assisted numerous public sector organisations in adhering to these regulations while maximising value for money and efficiency in their procurement processes.
4. Procurement Act 2023: As the Procurement Act 2023 introduces new regulations for procurement within the UK, our team has been proactively preparing to support organisations in navigating these changes and ensuring a smooth transition to the new framework.

Thornton & Lowe can advise on compliant options with regards to procurement, ensuring that your organisation achieves value for money while adhering to the principles of Managing Public Money. Our goal is to help you navigate the complex procurement landscape, minimise risk, and achieve your procurement objectives in a fully compliant manner.

Thornton & Lowe recognises the importance of effective supplier relationships in achieving successful procurement outcomes. We offer support in managing and optimising supplier relationships through various initiatives:

1. Supply chain development programmes: We can help you develop and implement programmes aimed at enhancing the capabilities and performance of your supply chain. By working closely with your suppliers, we can identify areas for improvement, share best practices, and foster a culture of continuous development.
2. Managing new supplier relationships: When engaging with new suppliers, it is crucial to establish clear expectations, communication channels, and performance metrics from the outset. Our team can assist in defining and implementing effective onboarding processes, ensuring that new supplier relationships start on a strong footing.
3. Nurturing existing supplier relationships: Maintaining and strengthening existing supplier relationships is key to ensuring consistent performance and driving long-term value. We can help you establish regular performance reviews, promote open communication, and identify opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
4. Addressing broken supplier relationships: Despite best efforts, sometimes supplier relationships can break down. In such cases, our team can provide guidance on how to address the underlying issues, facilitate constructive dialogue, and implement remedial actions. By proactively managing broken supplier relationships, we can help mitigate risks and minimise the impact on your procurement objectives.

At Thornton & Lowe, we understand that effective supplier relationships are built on trust, transparency, and mutual benefit. Our expertise in supplier relationship management can help you foster strong partnerships with your suppliers, leading to improved performance, reduced risk, and long-term success in your procurement endeavours.

Thornton & Lowe provides comprehensive support in conducting procurement options appraisals, helping organisations make informed decisions about the most suitable procurement route for their specific needs. Our team can assist in assessing the risks, costs, and benefits associated with various procurement options, including:

1. Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS): We can evaluate the suitability of using a DPS for your procurement requirements. DPS offers flexibility and allows new suppliers to join throughout the duration of the system. We will assess the benefits of using a DPS, such as reduced administrative burden, increased competition, and the ability to respond quickly to changing market conditions, against potential risks and costs.
2. Frameworks: Frameworks provide a streamlined procurement process by establishing pre-agreed terms and conditions with a select group of suppliers. Our team can help you determine if a framework is the best option for your needs, considering factors such as the scope of the framework, the number and quality of suppliers, and the potential for achieving economies of scale. We will also assess any risks associated with using a framework, such as limited flexibility and the potential for framework agreements to become outdated.-: In certain circumstances, a direct award may be the most appropriate procurement route. We can help you evaluate the eligibility for a direct award under the relevant procurement regulations and assess the benefits, such as reduced time and resources required for the procurement process. However, we will also carefully consider the risks associated with direct awards, including the potential for challenges from other suppliers and the need to ensure transparency and fairness.
3. Re-tender: Re-tendering involves conducting a new procurement process to replace an existing contract. Our team can help you assess the costs and benefits of re-tendering, including the opportunity to secure better value for money, introduce new suppliers, and update contract terms. We will also evaluate the risks associated with retendering, such as the potential for service disruption during the transition period and the resources required to conduct a full procurement process.

By conducting a thorough procurement options appraisal, Thornton & Lowe can provide you with clear recommendations on the most suitable procurement route for your organisation. We will consider your specific requirements, market conditions, and organisational goals to ensure that you make an informed decision that maximises value for money and minimises risk.