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Audit programme to assist suppliers
Each year, Buying Solutions carries out a number of financial system
reviews with suppliers.
Previously, the reviews have been conducted by KPMG and
Tribal Helm on our behalf but we are now doing the work
in house in order to forge closer links to our suppliers and
internal contract managers.
The broad aim of this year’s Supplier Audit Programme is
to assist suppliers to effectively discharge their financial
obligations in relation to their framework agreements, whilst
providing us with the assurance that any financial returns
made are accurate and complete.
In order to test the completeness of returns, the auditors test a sample of
public sector sales made by the supplier during the financial year.
The process is also underpinned by the provision of an annual audit
certificate by those suppliers whose agreements stipulate this,
a requirement that is increasingly commonplace within revised framework
agreements.
We are nearing the conclusion of the 2009/10 programme which has proved exceptionally valuable to both Buying Solutions and suppliers alike by providing collective assurance, identifying process improvements and by identifying any gaps in the provision of audit certificates.
For further information, please contact the customer service desk on
0345 410 2222 or info@buyingsolutions.gsi.gov.uk
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Moving towards prompt and accurate
submission of management information
We are still pushing to ensure we receive timely submission of accurate and complete supplier sales data, as it is vital to help us to understand and respond to customer needs more effectively. It also ensures correct billing of commission and enables us to calculate and report accurate savings in a timely and efficient manner.
In order to support our ambitious business plans and further enhance the quality of our customer service, improving the quality and accuracy of our management information is more important than ever.
Many suppliers already submit their management information in a timely manner. However for those who receive frequent late submission or incorrect data notifications it is worth remembering that the provision of spend data by agreed dates, within our specification, is a contractual requirement of your agreement with Buying Solutions.
Your MI returns should be submitted by 15th of every month.
Buying Solutions has grown rapidly in recent years. Customer spend through our framework agreements and other procurement arrangements increased by 9.25% year on year in 2008/09, generating savings of £732 million for the public purse.
Our aim is to generate at least £1 billion of savings annually from 2010/11. This is a stretching target in increasingly challenging market conditions, but with your continued support and commitment, we are confident that we will achieve it.
We are keen to work closely with you to deliver effective procurement solutions for the public sector. With this in mind, the need for accurate and complete management information is paramount.
For more information please contact the customer service desk on 0345 410 2222 or info@buyingsolutions.gsi.gov.uk
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Customer Clarification
We would like to remind suppliers as to which customers (contracting authorities) may use Buying Solutions’ framework agreements.
A customer (contracting authority) may only rely upon a framework agreement as a compliant procurement route where they were identified in the original OJEU Contract Notice.
In the event that a customer is unsure as to whether or not they are eligible to use a particular framework agreement, they should be advised to contact Buying Solutions directly.
For further information please contact the customer service desk on 0345 410 2222 or info@buyingsolutions.gsi.gov.uk