Issue - meetings

4. Procurement and Contract Management – deeper dive into processes and arrangements for SMEs

 

 

Meeting: 03/09/2026 - Audit and Governance Committee (Item 8.)

8. Procurement and Contract Management – deeper dive into processes and arrangements for SMEs pdf icon PDF 303 KB

This report provides assurance regarding the Council's arrangements for procuring from, appointing and managing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The report considers two key governance questions:

1.    How does the Council satisfy itself that SME suppliers are capable, financially resilient and appropriately controlled to deliver contracted outcomes?

2.    How does the Council ensure that procurement processes do not create unnecessary barriers which disadvantage SMEs or restrict competition?

The report outlines the Council's current control framework and how it seeks to balance protection of public funds and service delivery with the objective of maintaining an accessible and competitive supplier marketplace.