How confident are you that all your school procurement
is protected within a robust contract?

School contracts come in many forms and cover many products, from the lease on the photocopier to the contract with the after school cleaning company, the agreement with the teaching supply company to the contract with the IT maintenance provider.

All of these have different contractual terms. Are you happy that the contracts you sign are in the best interest of the school? Did you know that the terms of many contracts are laid down by the supplier, often in their interests, you have the power to change these.

Planning and putting together a robust contract at the start will save time, worry and potentially money as the contract goes through its term.

Corporate Contracts Ltd in conjunction with the Schools of Education and Management run two on-line courses specifically for school procurement. The aim of the courses are to equip the participants with a full practical knowledge of being able to plan, construct and implement solid contracts in the best interests of their school.

The courses show how to put you and the school in a position of control over procurement and contracts. Being in control of the contract is the most effective way of ensuring robust contracts, effective requirements, positive performance by way of performance measurements and, of course, saving money, because it allows you to negotiate what you require, including the best prices, and ensures that your contracts are effective for both sides.

The course is taught on-line and is available in two forms. The Introduction to the Certificate in School Procurement covers the importance and impact of procurement and contracts, risk management, tendering, contract management, performance management, the issues surrounding decisions as to whether to lease or purchase and the relationship with the supplier. The course costs £225.

The Advanced Certificate in School Procurement is a more in-depth course. It incorporates the introductory course above but also goes on to incorporate contract management, having an effective procurement policy and procedures, strategic contracts and sustainable procurement. This more comprehensive course costs £375.

Through the courses you will not only receive a fully detailed manual containing all the information you need, but you will also have as a tutor Margaret Gilbert who has 25 years experience in procurement, contracts and tendering with schools. Each course contains a set of assignments, as well as a helpline through which you can ask any questions relating to specific issues in your school.

There is more information on our website at http://www.admin.org.uk/CCMintro.html

“I would highly recommend this course to anyone who thinks they know a bit about procurement. I had some knowledge but in hindsight and with reflection I wish I had done this course years ago, I think I had been procuring with a wing and a prayer!”

Part of a testimonial from the School Business Manager – Mexborough St Johns C of E Primary School.

To see the full testimonial http://www.admin.org.uk/CCMreview.html

Corporate Contracts Management Ltd, Earlstrees Court, Earlstrees Road, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 4HH Phone: 01536 399007 Fax: 01536 399012 e-mail enquiries@admin.org.uk