Time: 9:30am - 10.30am
This is a NEW FREE webinar being delivered online, and a recording will be available for up to 30 days.
Are you responsible for managing your school or trust’s resources, including buying goods and services?
The DfE Schools Commercial Team will cover a range of topics, including:
• The Procurement Act
• how we can support you to achieve value and buy compliantly with our free procurement service, Get help buying for schools
• an update on the Risk Protection Arrangement
• new initiatives to support schools and trusts
The Schools Commercial Team is dedicated to helping schools and trusts achieve the best value for money and be compliant when purchasing goods and services. Their core services are the Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) and the Get help buying for schools’ service.
The team works extensively with schools, trusts, local authorities, and other partner organisations to ensure they are supported with their procurement needs.
Facilitators
Helen Lumb
Schools Stakeholder and Engagement Manager - Engagement and Outreach Team, Department for Education
Helen is part of the schools facing Engagement and Outreach Team within the Schools Commercial Team. Our remit is to support all schools with help in buying compliantly and delivering value for money. Before joining the DfE Commercial Division Helen was Head of Commercial at MOD, Service Children’s Education. Helen has over 30 years’ experience in a number of procurement and administrative roles working in both the public and private sector. She is also a student member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply as well as being the Chair of Governors of a local Pre-School.
Catherine Kelsall
Stakeholder and Engagement Manager - Schools Commercial Team, Department for Education.
The team's role is to support the delivery of the Schools' Buying Strategy.
Catherine is a former School Business Manager with over 24 years’ experience of working in a special needs primary school, where she was also an associate governor.
She has worked in the Department for Education’s Schools Commercial Team since July 2017, helping schools and trusts with their buying. During her time at the DfE, Catherine has been instrumental in forming the National Network of Special schools (NNOSS), a network for school business professionals working in the SEND sector
Audience
Any member of school staff that works on procurement/buying for example, head teachers,deputy and assistant head teachers and school business professionals (SBMs, COOs, CFOs, Procurement Managers etc). Relevant for all roles, phases, experiences.
Support is only available for state funded schools in England