Public Procurement Group Objectives 2026-2027
The Public Procurement Group Objectives 2026–27 set out the strategic priorities for public procurement across Scotland. Focusing on strategic alignment, data and AI, and workforce capability, they support a ‘Once for Scotland’ approach to deliver greater collaboration, consistency and value.
Part of
5. Annexes: Governance & Forums
Public Procurement Governance Landscape
Public Procurement Group (National Governance Group)
National/Scottish Government
Public Procurement Forums
Heads of Procurement
Procurement Supply Group
Category As National
Sector of Governance/Centres of Expertise
Scotland Excel (Local Authority CoE)
Public Services Delivery (NHS CoE)
Advanced Procurement Universities and Colleges (HEFE CoE)
Central Government (Scottish Government CoE)
Category Bs Sectoral
Local Governance
Local Authorities SLGPF
Health Boards PSSMT
Universities and Colleges PSGC and PSGU
Central Government bodies PCG
Category Cs Local
Public Procurement Forums
Driving a ‘Once for Scotland’ approach through collective leadership, alignment & impact.
|
Priority |
Policy Forum |
Collaborative Leads Group |
Sustainable Procurement Forum |
Digital, Data and AI Forum |
Professional Practice and Development Forum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximising value through strategic alignment |
Engage public, private & third sectors to develop & test national procurement policy; drive ‘comply or explain’ principles-based approach; SME & Third Sector access (Policy & Action Plan). |
Identify & progress collaborative category A, B and C1 arrangements. Eliminate barriers to category A, B and C1 opportunities whilst developing a landscape to maximise collaboration and share best practice.* |
Champion & support a cross-sectoral focus on economic, social & environmental outcomes. |
Provide a shared view of procurement digital tools and data to reduce duplication and support ‘Once for Scotland’ alignment. |
Drive consistency of best practice & efficiencies (national PJ/SJ tools); manage & promote national L & D framework & offerings; signpost L & D that other sectors can access. |
|
Digital, Data and AI |
Promote use of meaningful data to measure/report policy impact & identify & benchmark targeted improvements; develop/ maintain AI procurement policy & guidance. |
Analyse data on current collaborative category A, B, C1 procurements and identifying new opportunities. Record, share and promote analysis to enhance collaboration. |
Continuously benchmark, develop & promote use of Sustainable Procurement Tools, ensuring alignment with PJ & SJ. |
Lead a national pipeline of digital and AI procurement initiatives, prioritising and scaling solutions across sectors.* |
Monitor & identify current, new & emerging national learning priorities, including AI; measure impact of L & D offerings to drive continuous improvement. |
|
Capability and Workforce |
Identify & exploit enablers &/or address barriers to policy implementation, triaging with other forums as required. |
Drive engagement and compliance providing consistent support & guidance to build capability and grow knowledge through collaboration. |
Identify & address key enablers & blockers. Provide consistent support & guidance to build capability; share & promote best practice. |
Define digital and AI learning priorities; enable tool adoption and measure learning and development impact. |
Set/drive national standards (competency framework & PCIPS); attract, grow, develop & retain talent; enable CPD & career development pathways for all.* |
* Forum with asterisk denotes the lead for the relevant objective.
Contact
Email: ProcurementSET@gov.scot