Financial Regulations and Procurement
Introduction to Financial Regulations
The Local Government Act 1972 directs that Authorities shall make arrangements for the proper administration of their financial affairs, and that some of their officers be responsible for the administration of those affairs. To conduct its business efficiently, a local authority needs to ensure that it has sound financial management policies in place and that they are adhered to.
Part of this process is the establishment of Financial Regulations 
(PDF Help 29kb) that set out the financial policies of the Authority. Financial Regulations provide a framework for the management of the Authority's financial affairs and applies to every Member and Officer of the Authority and anyone acting on its behalf.
Introduction to Procurement
The term “procurement” relates to the process of acquiring goods, services and works, from pens to service delivery partnerships, from bricks to new buildings, from the initial concept through to the end of the useful life of the asset or service contract. Procurement ranges from the negotiation of corporate contracts for the supply of routine goods and services through to the more complex partnership arrangements such as Public / Private Partnerships (PPP), joint commissioning with other third sector and public sector organisations and construction projects.
Effective procurement is crucial to achieve continuous improvement and to secure value for money in public services. It is important to ensure that procurement decisions are legal, ethical, in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Authority and that consideration is given to the impact on the economic, social and environmental well being of the communities within the National Park.
The Authority, along with its partners, is committed to ensuring that services are delivered in a way that protects the quality of the environment and minimises any adverse impact on community well being. The Authority recognises that procurement can be integral in delivering more sustainable outcomes for the National Park. To achieve this it is necessary to ensure that environmental and broader sustainability considerations are taken into account throughout the procurement process, along with the use of local suppliers where possible.
Instructions Relating to Procurement Including Orders Contracts and Tenders
The objective of these Instructions is to ensure that the Authority's procurement procedures are robust and effective while remaining transparent and in accordance with recognised good practice. The issue of any Order and the entry into any contract shall at all times be subject to these Instructions, and the Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and Financial Procedures of the Authority.
Instructions relating to procurement including orders contracts and tenders (PDF Help 174Kb)
Devon Procurement Partnership (DPP)
The main aim of the partnership is collaboration between procurement representatives from Devon public sector organisations (particularly local authorities) with a view to maximising the benefits of Devon’s spend with external suppliers. Additionally DPP has a number of complimentary strategic objectives based around sustainability, local economic development and continuous improvement. The aims and objectives of the group are outlined within the Terms of Reference (PDF Help 30Kb)
The majority of local authorities within Devon are currently represented on the partnership together with Devon & Cornwall Police, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue, University of Exeter, the Met Office and Dartmoor National Park Authority.
Page updated 11 August 2008
