Session leaders: Steve Parkinson, The Parkinson Partnership LLP
Steve is a former Town Clerk and an accountant with over 30 years' experience in public and voluntary sector finance. He now specialises in delivering training and advice on VAT and finance matters for the local council sector.

This session is an introduction to the basics of procurement for local councils – inviting quotes, producing specifications and tender documentation, achieving competition and value for money, managing contracts.

Topics include:

• Procurement thresholds
• Basic terminology and steps involved in procurement
• Estimates, quotes and tenders
• Specifications
• Quality and value for money
• Advertising, including Contracts Finder

By the end of Contracts and Procurement you will:

• Be aware of procurement thresholds
• Recognise when you must advertise on Contracts Finder
• Understand how to produce a specification for what you want
• Understand the basic terminology and steps involved in procurement
• Be able to ensure your procurement achieves value for money

Training is carried out online via the Zoom platform. Please email us at training@cornwallalc.org.uk to make a booking. Session dates are shown in the online calendar or you can email us for dates. Steve Parkinson courses are charged at £30 plus VAT per delegate. Places are in high demand and booked on a first come first served basis. Your booking confirmation will contain a link to the online event. Please ensure that you log in at least 10 minutes before the session starts and make sure that your screen name includes your first and last names.