8. Useful links

Procurement - Useful Links

Bip Solutions provides public sector contract information and offers suppliers and buyers access to a database of open contract opportunities which includes the OJEC/TED.
http://www.bipsolutions.com/

The Central Buying Consortium is the largest local authority purchasing consortium in the UK. Through this consortium, Shepway District Council are able to access a number of contracts.
http://www.cbconline.org.uk/

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply is an international organization, based in the UK, serving the purchasing and supply profession. Dedicated to promoting good practice, CIPS provides a wide range of services for the benefit of members and the wider business community.
http://www.cips.org/

The Improvement & Development Agency (IDeA) works for local government improvement so councils can serve people & places better. It aims to deliver practical solutions to improve performance through sharing best practice.
http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=1

The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) is responsible for improving value for money by driving up standards and capability in procurement, from commodities buying to the delivery of major capital projects, maximising the effective use of 60% of Government spending and a £30 billion property estate. OGC is tasked with the transformation of government procurement

http://www.ogc.gov.uk/

The Society of Procurement Officers in Local Government (SOPO) engages in a range of activities to promote its strategic purchasing, contracting and supplies functions. Its aim is to advise local authorities throughout the UK on all purchasing and supplies matters of national/general interest.
http://www.sopo.org.uk/

The South East Improvement Partnership was established to provide a strategic direction for building the capacity of local government in the South East. It is one aspect of a larger framework of support for local government which is provided via the Local Government Association/CLG administered Capacity Building Fund. The Partnership provides a mechanism for collaboration and co-ordination of improvement activity across the region and is supported by a number of sub-regional partnerships.
http://www.southeastiep.go.uk

Constructionline is the UK's register of pre-qualified local and national construction and construction-related contractors and consultants. Owned and endorsed by the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (formerly the DTI).
http://www.constructionline.co.uk/