Unwrapping the year's Procurement Act updates: Festive facts and gifts

As the holiday season draws near, it’s a timely moment to unwrap the latest developments in the Procurement Act 2023 (the Act). In this festive edition of our legal insights, we highlight three festive facts about the upcoming changes and present three invaluable 'gifts' to help you prepare for the new procurement landscape.

Festive Facts

Countdown to change

Mark your calendars - there are just 67 (as of 19.12.24) sleeps until 24 February 2025, the date the Act will come into force.

A long road to implementation

1. The journey to the Act’s implementation started over five years ago with the Green Paper on Transforming Public Procurement in December 2020. The Procurement Bill was introduced in the House of Lords in May 2022, receiving Royal Assent on 26 October 2023.
2. Legislative landmarks: The Procurement Act 2023 and the Procurement Regulations 2024 form the legislative backbone of the reforms. The final regulations, The Procurement Act 2023 (Consequential and Other Amendments) Regulations 2025, have just been laid before Parliament in order for the Act to go-live at the end of February 2025.
3. The transitional provisions mean that the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 are likely to continue to apply for some time.  Procurement processes, framework agreements and dynamic markets which have already commenced will continue to be governed by the old regime.
4. Guidance notes: A comprehensive set of 47 guidance notes in England accompany the legislation to support compliance and understanding of the new regime.

What’s still to come

As the go-live date approaches, here a few more dates for your diary to watch out for:

• December 2024: Publication of a Procurement Specific Questionnaire template as part of the conditions of participation,
• January 2025: Expect guidance notes on Electronic Invoicing and the Payment Compliance Notice. The National Security Unit for Procurement (NSUP), established to support implementation of the new powers in the Act to exclude and debar suppliers where there is a threat to UK national security, will also publish supplementary guidance.
• February 2025: Publication of the new National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS).
• February 2025: Go-live of the new Central Digital Platform.

Gifts to ease your procurement journey

In the spirit of the season, we’re pleased to highlight these practical resources and support to help you navigate the Act with confidence:

Gift 1: Practical Templates

The Government Commercial Function's Procurement Pathway features checklists and templates to help contracting authorities update their procurement documents.

Gift 2: Comprehensive Resources

Our procurement webpage is your one-stop destination for procurement resources. From podcasts to articles and blogs, we provide everything you need to ensure your processes are as seamless as possible.

Gift 3: VWV Procurement Helpline

For a limited time, we’re offering one lucky reader one month's free support* to our dedicated procurement helpline. Whether you need assistance interpreting the Act, reviewing your procurement policies and documents to ensure compliance with the Act or would like to discuss upcoming procurements our team is ready to provide clarity and actionable advice. Don’t let uncertainties cloud your holiday spirit - reach out today and let us help make your procurement season bright.

Happy holidays and best wishes for a smooth transition to the new procurement framework!

*This free support will entail up to 4 hours use of the procurement helpline "phone an expert" service. To enter the prize draw, please click here.  Entries will close on Monday 13 January.

Please feel free to get in touch if you would like support and assistance on how to get ready for the Procurement Act. Contact Stephanie Rickard in our Public Sector team at 07384 251 896.

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