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Scottish Government releases new FAQs about the Plan for the Future

The Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland is one of six projects that make up the Plan for the Future. The Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland aims to provide a long-term vision and roadmap for public procurement in Scotland.

The Scottish Government published on 20 March 2023 a new list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) in relation to the Plan for the Future.

What is the Plan for the Future?

The Plan for the Future programme was created by the Public Procurement Group, along with other key stakeholder groups. The ‘Plan for the Future’ has six workstreams, three of which are being delivered by working groups with representatives from across the sectors to provide a breath of ideas, suggestions and representation. There are also Scottish Government led projects which will engage with public, private and third sector stakeholders as required to drive change, which the Supplier Development Programme will also be part of.

What is the Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland?

The Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland will set the strategic direction for procurement leadership of public bodies. The Public Procurement Strategy provides a long-term, high-level vision and roadmap for Scottish public procurement which all public sector bodies can align with and deliver against.

How will the Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland impact me?

Sectors and organisations over time will be expected to align their respective procurement strategies with the vision set out in the Public Procurement for Scotland. It has been written in a specific way to have applicability across all sectors and organisations, regardless of where they are in terms of procurement development.

Will there be any changes to the current spend threshold where lower spending organisations are not required to report under the Public Procurement legislation?

The Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland will not be changing legislation and reporting thresholds. Therefore, there will be no change to lower spending organisations, the existing legislation will continue to apply.

What about the Public Procurement Priorities?

The priorities were created as a temporary measure until the Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland could be created through collaborations across the sectors. Once the Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland is published, it will replace the current Public Procurement Priorities.

Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Scottish Government if they have a question that has not yet been answered, by sending an email to scottishprocurement@gov.scot.

Questions will be answered, and common queries will then be added to the FAQ.