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1. Introduction
The ongoing uncertainty in the economic environment continues to impact the everyday lives of people. Many suppliers, businesses and supply chains of goods, service and works, continue to be affected, and uncertainty is ongoing for local North Ayrshire businesses. North Ayrshire Council continue to face the challenge of cost volatility and reduced purchasing power.
Procurement Strategy
Section 15 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 requires North Ayrshire Council’s Corporate Procurement Unit to publish a procurement strategy, and to report annually on the success and compliance with that strategy. This strategy builds on the successes delivered through the previous strategy that covered the period 2020-2023.
The Procurement Strategy sets out the strategic procurement vision, mission and enablers and objectives for the period 2023 to 2026 and it applies to all North Ayrshire Council’s external expenditure on goods, services, works and social care. The Procurement Strategy will be reviewed annually and refreshed as required to take cognisance of the challenges faced by North Ayrshire Council in terms of the impact of the volatile external environment, and progress against each strategic objective will be reviewed every 6 months and reported to the Procurement Board.
Corporate Procurement Unit’s vision
To use our spending power to maximise social, environmental, and economic benefit for the people of North Ayrshire and support sustainable, diverse and local supply chains.
Corporate Procurement Unit’s mission
We will utilise our procurement expertise and experience to provide solutions that support local and national objectives for inclusive, wealthier, and sustainable communities.
Corporate Procurement Unit’s enablers
- Procurement Professionalism - The Corporate Procurement Unit are a team of experienced qualified procurement managers and officers, and all team members are developed/supported to encourage retention and succession planning and to ensure all staff members reach their full potential. A culture of collaboration promotes shared learning.
- Policies and Procedures - The Corporate Procurement Unit have a suite of robust plain English, user-friendly templates and polices, and procedures to ensure procurement professionals, internal service teams and suppliers can navigate the procurement process with ease.
- Engagement - The Corporate Procurement Unit provide channels for suppliers and internal customers to provide feedback on all procurement processes, policies, and projects with the aim of learning lessons and continually improving.
- Digital Technology - The Corporate Procurement Unit utilises Public Contracts Scotland and Public Contracts Scotland - Tender to engage with suppliers, and creates efficiencies through use of e-catalogues, e-invoicing, and punch outs. We also gather real time data to allow us to make quick compliant decisions, share information, measure performance, analyse trends and seek out cost saving opportunities and we also utilise SharePoint to embrace agile and flexible working.
The enablers for the Procurement Strategy are essential to ensure all strategic objectives are met.
The Procurement Strategy will also provide an understanding of how the Corporate Procurement Unit objectives align with the priorities of North Ayrshire Council and Scottish Government and how these objectives will be achieved.
2. The Local North Ayrshire Context
North Ayrshire is home to 134,000 people and covers an area of 340 square miles and includes the islands of Arran and Great Cumbrae and Little Cumbrae. North Ayrshire’s dramatic coastal scenery, rolling hills and long sandy beaches make it a fantastic place to visit.
The main settlements are Irvine, Kilwinning, Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston, Beith, Dalry, Kilbirnie, Largs, Dreghorn, Springside, West Kilbride, Seamill, Fairlie, Skelmorlie, Brodick and Millport. The area is proud of its history and there are many tourist attractions including the Maritime Museum, the Heritage Centre in Saltcoats, Kilwinning Abbey and Kelburn Castle There are also 21 golf courses, centres for water sports and harboursides that offer stunning views.
However, despite these locational strengths, high levels of inequality exist in North Ayrshire, particularly poverty and the associated effects this has. North Ayrshire is one of the most deprived areas in Scotland and deprivation levels are significantly higher than the Scottish average.
The Council Plan 2023-2028
In 2023, North Ayrshire Council developed and published its Council Plan 2023-2028 with a vision for “a North Ayrshire that is fair for all” and a mission to “work together to improve lives our people in North Ayrshire”. There are 4 strategic aims that contribute to the mission and vision:
- Wellbeing – including a community wealth building approach to a wellbeing economy,
- Communities and Local Democracy – to develop strong relationships with communities and partners, including third sector and voluntary sector,
- Climate Change – to achieve net-zero by 2030,
- A Sustainable Council – including maximising financial flexibilities to help support delivery of priorities.
These strategic aims contribute to the delivery of Scotland’s 11 National outcomes under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, and these are published within the National Performance Framework which aims to create a more successful country with more opportunities and better wellbeing for the people of Scotland.
The Procurement Strategy strategic objectives clearly align with the Council Plan strategic aims and the 11 National outcomes, as well as the Scottish Model of Procurement that sets the principals of embedding sustainability, improving supplier access to public contracts, maximises efficiency and collaboration and delivering savings and benefits. The Corporate Procurement Unit continue to work closely with stakeholders achieve these aims/outcomes/principals.
Community Wealth Building Strategy 2020-2025
North Ayrshire Council continue to progress the pillars of the Community Wealth Building Strategy, that feature throughout the Council Plan. Community Wealth Building uses the economic levers available to Anchor Institutions to develop resilient, inclusive local economies with more local employment and a larger more diverse business base, ensuring wealth is locally owned and benefits local people. Anchor institutions are large organisations that are rooted in the area, they employ significant numbers of people and have real buying and spending power for example, Councils, NHS, Colleges, and large private organisations.
There are five key pillars within the strategy, the first of which is Procurement. The strategy states that “progressive procurement develops dense local supply chains of local enterprises, SMEs, employee-owned businesses, social enterprises, cooperatives and other forms of community owned enterprises”. The Community Wealth Building procurement objective is for North Ayrshire Council to use spend to actively encourage and support a growing, diverse, and resilient local business base, and to support our net zero carbon ambition. The Procurement Strategy actively supports this pillar, by supporting and developing local suppliers to help them win North Ayrshire Council contracts.
The second pillar is employment and North Ayrshire Council have shown the key role that good procurement can play to support the delivery of local jobs through Community Benefits and working with suppliers to promote fair working practices, including payment of the real living wage. Community Benefit clauses (including Jobs, training and work experience) are included in all procurement exercises over 50K for supplies and services and 100K for works and fair work first requirements are included in all procurement exercises over 10K.
Health and Social Care Partnership Strategies and Plans
North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership is responsible for delivering health and social care services in North Ayrshire and they are responsible for some services across Ayrshire and Arran, including acute mental health services. The partnerships are made up of North Ayrshire Council, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Third Sector Interface in North Ayrshire, and Independent Sector. The Corporate Procurement Unit support the Health and Social Care Partnership procuring essential care services and equipment to help deliver the Health and Social Care Partnership strategies and plans.
3. Strategy Rationale and Context
The Scottish public sector spends more than £16 billion per annum on goods, services and works and public procurement is governed by a very complex legal landscape. Applicable legislation includes the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 and the Procurement (Scotland) Regulations 2016.
Scottish Government also continues to expand the remit and responsibilities of public procurement through the issue of new legislation, Scottish Procurement Policy Notes and Construction Policy Notes.
The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 requires North Ayrshire Council to publish a procurement strategy and to report annually on the success and compliance with that strategy.
Procurement is a significant activity across North Ayrshire Council with influenceable spend of £292 million on the purchase of goods, services, works and social care during the financial year 2023/2024. The table below provides a breakdown of the spend by category for the year 2023/2024.
| Categories | Spend | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | £131,063,797.77 | 45% |
| Social Care & Services | £65,319,257.53 | 22% |
| Facilities Management | £24,023,246.57 | 8% |
| Utilities & Energy | £18,175,758.28 | 6% |
| Arts, Sports & Leisure | £7,406,955.41 | 3% |
| ICT | £6,079,078.82 | 2% |
| Vehicles | £5,435,535.05 | 2% |
| Waste & Environmental Services | £5,306,076.90 | 2% |
| Healthcare | £4,640,568.37 | 2% |
| Food, Beverage & Catering | £3,571,624.61 | 1% |
| Other | £21,324,961.80 | 7% |
| Total | £292,346,861.11 | 100% |
In line with the Council Plan and Community Wealth Building aspirations, North Ayrshire Council would prefer to retain as much of the influential spend within the local economy as is possible. Therefore it is important to understand the current geographical spend profile. The graphic below shows the supplier size and location, where known, for the 2023/2024 spend data.
As per the above graphic, 73% of spend and 57% of suppliers are located in Scotland. Drilling down further we can then see the spend within North Ayrshire.
During the last financial year £71.5 million was spent with 873 local suppliers (24.5%). As part of Community Wealth Building there is an aspiration for local spend to increase, so a target of 27% has been set, to be achieved by 2025.
To help increase the spend with local companies procurement actions have been agreed as part of the Community Wealth Building strategy.
Work is underway with both the Corporate Procurement Unit and the Business Support and Development Team working with local suppliers to provide greater visibility of future procurement opportunities and offer support and training to help local suppliers, to be more competitive, and therefore win a greater number of North Ayrshire Council contracts.
To successfully deliver the procurement objectives it is key that there is commitment to this Procurement Strategy and any new ways of working from all Service teams across North Ayrshire Council.
4. Priorities for Procurement in North Ayrshire Council
The key objectives of the Corporate Procurement Unit have been created to support the delivery of the Council Plan’s strategic aims, aligned to the 11 National Outcomes, while ensuring compliance with legislation. Innovative procurement and a strategic approach to procuring goods, services and works is a fundamental component in the delivery of North Ayrshire Council’s vision and priority objectives.
To deliver the required outcomes of the Procurement Strategy there remains a need to implement changes and improvements to ways of working and this will require an open mind and commitment from all officers, across North Ayrshire Council, involved in the procurement process. The Corporate Procurement Unit will work closely with services teams to achieve the maximum economic and social value across all categories of spend.
The Corporate Procurement Unit will contribute to the priorities by providing strategic guidance and leadership on all procurement matters, focussing on and directing procurement activities over the longer term, providing a framework of policies, procedures and standards, embracing collaboration, and improvement planning.
The key procurement objectives are to:
- Develop our team to deliver a professional procurement service,
- Deliver financial sustainability and optimise commercial acumen,
- Tackle climate change and embrace a circular economy on our net-zero journey,
- Create an inclusive North Ayrshire with access to fair jobs,
- Support sustainable resilient supply chains and optimise opportunities for local suppliers.
5. Climate and Circular Economy
In 2019, North Ayrshire Council declared a climate emergency and are committed to act now to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. North Ayrshire Council implemented a Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy in 2024. The Corporate Procurement Unit will support the net zero carbon ambition and any new requirements from the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy.
There is a Climate Change Steering Group which is made up of Local leaders with a joined drive to reduce climate impact and achieve zero carbon by 2030.
The Sustainable Procurement Duty is outlined in the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 and it requires public bodies to consider how they will improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of their areas in all procurement exercises.
Sustainable procurement is embedded into North Ayrshire Council’s procurement processes and the Corporate Procurement Unit utilise the Sustainable Procurement Tools provided by Scottish Government and work closely with key stakeholders to ensure that risks are identified, and all opportunities are explored.
The prioritisation tool is designed to assist early-stage strategic planning, and brings a standard, structured approach to the assessment of spend categories. North Ayrshire Council utilise the tool annually and complete an assessment of all spend categories.
Life cycle impact mapping is used to identify and assess the social and environmental impacts of raw materials, manufacturing and logistics, use and disposal or end of life management.
A sustainability test is also completed for all relevant contracts, and this helps to identify social, economic, and environmental factors which must be considered throughout the entire procurement process. The test is completed by referencing results from the prioritisation assessment. Selection and award criteria relating to climate and circular economy is also included in procurement exercises where appropriate.
The flexible framework assessment tool is used to assess the current level of performance and the actions required to embed good procurement practice to realise intended sustainable outcomes.
Utilise eLearning related to sustainable procurement developed for the public sector in Scotland.
The Corporate Procurement Unit continuously consider whether to buy, what to buy, how to buy and how much to buy as per SPPN 3/2022 Public procurement - taking account of climate and circular economy considerations
Whether to buy – demand management is considered – i.e., can an existing asset be repaired or reused or can we bring a service in-house.
What to buy – Can we specify innovative or substitute goods, services and works that reduce climate impact and buy standardised goods to reduce variability.
How to buy – Can we include climate selection and award criteria and specify what raw material must be used and how goods will be disposed of at end of life.
How much to buy – again demand management is considered – can we consider reducing quantities.
The Corporate Procurement Unit are creating Sustainability case studies in collaboration with internal service teams and Scottish Government to promote best practice. These case studies are published by Scottish Government. They are also monitoring FNT2030 templates in collaboration with internal services team to demonstrate and monitor and report how specific categories of spend will achieve net zero by 2030.
The Corporate Procurement Unit have also created a net-zero roadmap in collaboration with the Sustainability Team, that is aligned with the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy and demonstrates and reports how the Corporate Procurement Unit support North Ayrshire Council’s achievement of reduction of climate impact aims.
North Ayrshire Council also complies with the Climate Change (Duties of Public Bodies: Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2015 which requires Public Sector Bodies to publish annual climate change reports. The report for 2022/2023 was submitted in November 2023.
The Corporate Procurement Unit contribute to compliance with climate change duties by procuring and awarding contracts that reduce climate change impact, using sustainable procurement tools (detailed above) and including appropriate selection and award criteria in relevant procurements.
The Corporate Procurement Unit also participate in the activities noted below ongoing:
- Attend Adaptation Workshops with the Energy and Sustainability Team.
- Complete the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties report for the Energy and Sustainability Team.
6. Procurement Strategic Objectives
To support the delivery of the Council Plan and Community Wealth Building strategy, the Procurement Strategy has 5 key strategic objectives.
The strategic objectives which will improve, innovate, and transform how the Corporate Procurement Unit operates are summarised in the diagram below:
The strategic objectives and associated actions are detailed in the following pages.
Appendix 1 provides a Procurement Strategy Action Plan aligned to our key objectives.
Strategic Objective 1 - Develop our team to deliver a professional procurement service
Objectives
- To ensure all Corporate Procurement Unit staff are fully trained and developed to reach their maximum potential, to offer a more strategic and commercial approach to procurement activities.
- To ensure that all procurement activity is carried out in a transparent, proportionate, non-discriminative, and accountable manner, in accordance with procurement legislation and North Ayrshire Council’s internal governance.
- To provide visibility of future contracting opportunities by advertising opportunities, maintaining and publishing a Contract Register, tender waveplan, and procurement annual reports.
- Ensure all relevant contracts comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
- To procure food to improve health, wellbeing and education and promote high standards of animal welfare.
- Work with service teams to develop a robust contract strategy and specification for each procurement exercise.
- To ensure the Corporate Procurement Unit staff and service teams work collaboratively to ensure best economic and social value is obtained from all external expenditure.
- Continue to improve procurement performance across the council as measured by the Scottish Government’s Procurement & Commercial Improvement Programme.
How our objectives will be met
- Develop all new and existing Corporate Procurement Unit staff to be multi-skilled and able to carry out procurement exercises for any categories of spend, through appropriate professional qualifications, training, secondments, and mentoring.
- Identify training needs linked to our strategic objectives detailed in our strategic training plan.
- Deliver training through buddying, coaching, and mentoring and internal and external procurement training courses including climate literacy training.
- Utilise e-Tendering systems, and provide proportionate streamlined procurement processes, and plain English, user friendly, clear precise documentation for all North Ayrshire Council employees involved in the procurement process to use, that is easy for suppliers to interpret to ensure common understanding.
- Ensure all elements of the contract strategy and tender process are reviewed and appropriately authorised to ensure non-discrimination, legal compliance, and delivery of best value.
- Advertise all contracts electronically using Public Contracts Scotland in line with legislative requirements.
- Publish Annual Reports, Procurement Strategies and Contract Register in line with legislative requirements.
- Review spend data and identify off-contract spend and work with service teams to ensure contracts are in place,
- Ensure health and safety is addressed in all relevant contracts by insisting on adherence to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, requesting ISO450001 or equivalent policies and scoring risk and health and safety practices as part of the technical evaluation.
- Specify food procurements to ensure nutritional quality is addressed, seasonal products are purchased, and unnecessary use of natural resources is avoided and requesting certification relating to animal welfare standards.
- Work with services teams to develop a robust specification for each procurement exercise.
- Work with service teams to maintain an accurate tender waveplan to provide an overview of all contracts and supplier performance and enable efficient allocation of procurement resources.
- Work with service teams and suppliers to ensure continuous improvement, through regular meetings and using supplier and customer surveys.
- Obtain Procurement Board approval and buy-in for new policies, processes, strategies, and reports where appropriate.
- Preparing for Procurement Commercial Improvement Programme assessment utilising a Procurement Commercial Improvement Programme improvement plan.
- Respond to changes, new procurement legislation or Scottish Procurement Policy Notes as appropriate.
Strategic Objective 2 - Deliver financial sustainability and optimise commercial acumen
Objectives
- Work with service teams to develop contract strategies and specifications aligned to the Council Plan, other North Ayrshire Council strategies, the National Performance Framework and Scottish Model of Procurement for all procurements (above £50K for supplies and services and above £500K for works) to deliver maximum economic and social value.
- Generate value from utilising collaborative contracts with other Councils, Scotland Excel, Scottish Government and Crown Commercial Services.
- Work with the Procurement Board and internal service teams to maximise savings from national frameworks, through product rationalisation, taking advantage of rebates and utilising the best quality supplier(s) at the optimal price.
- Train all Corporate Procurement Unit staff in commercial acumen.
- Manage price increase requests and other negotiations.
- Monitor, report, and work with Service teams to rectify non-compliant spend.
- All North Ayrshire Council officers to adhere to a Contract and Supplier Management Policy to ensure the maximum economic and social value is continually driven from every contract.
How our objectives will be met
- Develop contract strategies and specifications to procure contracts to fully meet North Ayrshire Council’s needs, considering early supplier engagement, market research, demand management, innovation and substitutes, best route to market to maximise competition and value for money, best pricing options and mechanisms and inclusion of criteria to reduce climate impact and benefit the local economy.
- Seek opportunities to collaborate with neighbouring local authorities and other public sector bodies as well as continuing to engage with Scottish Government procurement and Scotland Excel.
- Continue to use and rationalise existing collaborative frameworks to obtain further savings through mini competitions, rationalising products, using alternative products and maximising rebates.
- Discuss saving opportunities at the Procurement Board.
- Carry out regular commercial acumen workshops so officers involved in procurement understand their responsibility to deliver best value and are open to carrying out thorough market research, benchmarking, utilising indexation tools negotiating, developing specifications, and robustly managing contracts and suppliers.
- Carry out benchmarking exercises and utilise indexation tools and reports to understand market prices and negotiate price increase requests and post tender negotiations accordingly.
- Provide Standing Orders Relating to Contracts training via e-Learning and recorded procurement and Single Tender Action Request training to all individuals involved in procurement activities across North Ayrshire Council.
- Identify non-compliant spend to target spend that may be influenced by a competitive procurement exercise.
- Report non-compliant spend to the Procurement Board.
- To manage all contracts in line with the Contract and Supplier Management policy and encourage all devolved contract and supplier mangers to do the same.
Strategic Objective 3 - Tackle climate change and embrace a circular economy on our net-zero journey
Objectives
- Ensure that all external expenditure is procured sustainably, whilst encouraging and influencing our suppliers, contractors, and service providers to do the same.
- Support North Ayrshire Council’s drive to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 by ensuring that every contract strategy takes account of the potential impact on the environment and identifies ways in which the impact can be reduced utilising the sustainable procurement tools.
- Collaborate with service teams to implement, monitor, and report actions to reduce climate impact and maximise circular economy opportunities.
How our objectives will be met
- Ensure compliance with environmental law by issuing terms and conditions for all contracts.
- Request appropriate certification in relevant contracts to meet specific environmental standards.
- Ensure all contract strategies consider socio economic and environmental impact and how this can be reduced utilising the sustainable procurement tools.
- Apply relevant and proportionate selection and award criteria to ensure that environmental impacts are considered appropriately in procurement exercises.
- Consider climate and circular economy considerations at the early buyer engagement stage and include relevant requirements in the specification.
- Complete FNT2030 templates with service teams to monitor and report progress against actions to reduce climate impact for relevant categories of spend.
- Create climate and circular economy case studies in collaboration with service teams and share best practice.
- Manage and monitor the Corporate Procurement Unit’s net-zero roadmap, aligned with the Sustainable North Ayrshire roadmap to demonstrate how the Corporate Procurement Unit are supporting North Ayrshire Council’s net-zero journey.
- Report all actions to reduce the impact of climate within our annual procurement report.
Strategic Objective 4 - Create an inclusive North Ayrshire with access to fair jobs
Objectives
- To create employment in North Ayrshire through community benefit clauses
- Ensure all contracts promote the payment of the real living wage and fair working practices (including equality) for all employees engaged in the delivery of North Ayrshire Council contracts.
- Ensure prompt payment to suppliers and sub-contractors.
- To eliminate modern slavery from all North Ayrshire Council supply chains.
- Identify and mitigate the risks associated with serious and organised crime.
- Ensure that all external expenditure is procured, fairly, and ethically whilst encouraging and influencing our suppliers, contractors, and service providers to do the same.
- Ensure all staff are trained in supply chain ethics.
How our objectives will be met
- Monitor and report on delivery of employment through community benefit clauses included in procurement exercises.
- Encourage fair work practices and payment of real living wage in all relevant contracts and score as part of the quality evaluation where appropriate.
- As required by North Ayrshire Council’s living wage accreditation, we will carry out an annual review and prepare a report of living wage status of all applicable contracts and prepare an action plan, to encourage suppliers to work towards if required.
- Refer all suppliers who are not living wage accredited or do not pay living wage to all suitable staff to the Fair Work Ayrshire Team to enable them to encourage payment/accreditation status.
- Aim to pay all suppliers within 30 days of receipt of an accurate invoice and encourage prompt payment to sub-contractors (within 30 days), using the appropriate terms and conditions and addressing via the pre-qualification and Contract and supplier Management process.
- Include mandatory agreement to North Ayrshire Council’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking code of conduct in all procurement exercises.
- Ask all bidders to sign a declaration to say they have taken relevant measures to ensure the supply chains are slavery proof.
- Publish Modern Slavey and Human Trafficking whistle blowing process on the North Ayrshire Council external website.
- Adhere to the Police Scotland Protocol regarding serious organised crime, sharing prospective bidders and responding to concerns from Police Scotland.
- Request appropriate certification in relevant contracts to meet specific, social standards such as Fair Trade.
- Complete Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply ethical supply chain training.
Strategic Objective 5 - Support sustainable resilient supply chains and optimise opportunities for local suppliers
Objective
- Understand and promote community wealth building.
- Improve engagement with local suppliers, Third Sector Organisations, and supported businesses to promote opportunities.
- Optimise use of procurement processes to award more contracts to local suppliers.
- Collaborate with North Ayrshire Council’s Business Support and Development Team to grow local capability and capacity and to promote innovation.
How our objectives will be met
- Develop the corporate culture and status of procurement as a key feature of community wealth building.
- Senior Manager (Corporate Procurement) attends Community Wealth Building Working Group
- Carry out early supplier engagement to encourage local bidders to bid for future contract opportunities.
- Consider sub-dividing tenders into lots, giving cognisance to accessibility of contracts for local Small and medium enterprises, Third Sector Organisations and Supported Business’s.
- Maintain a published contract register and report on future procurement projects over the next 2 years within the Annual Procurement report to enable local Small and medium enterprises, Third Sector Organisations and Supported Business’s to have future visibility and be able to prepare to bid for future contracts.
- Work with North Ayrshire Council’s Business Support and Development Team to maximise local supplier participation in the Quick Quote and other procurement processes.
- Consider involvement of local Small and medium enterprises, Third Sector Organisations and supported businesses at the early buyer engagement stage.
- Work with the Business Support and Development Team to fully understand our local businesses and their capability and capacity to supply.
- Participate in the Community Wealth Building Procurement Lead Officers group to optimise community wealth building.
- Create a local supplier database identifying levels on turnover and insurance and memberships, accreditations and qualification to identify suitable suppliers for procurements.
7. Continuous Improvement and Measuring Success
The action plan included in Appendix 1 will be included within future Annual Procurement Reports, providing an opportunity to report on the achievement of and compliance with our strategic objectives as well as noting actions which are yet to be completed.
To ensure continuous improvement in our procurement practices the Corporate Procurement Unit will be assessed through the Procurement and Commercial Improvement Programme . The next Procurement and Commercial Improvement Programme assessment is due to take place in November 2026.
The measure of success of the Procurement Strategy will be:
- increased delivery of procurement related savings and efficiency targets
- increased compliance in the use of contracts
- positive climate impact reduction
- increased delivery of jobs (including green jobs) and other education and community benefits through community benefits
- increased payment of Real Living Wage and delivery of fair work practices
- increased contract opportunities and contract awards for Small and medium enterprises, Third Sector Organisations and Supported Businesses including local businesses
- positive Procurement and Commercial Improvement Programme assessment reflecting high levels of performance.
A procurement activity report will also be reported to Cabinet on an annual basis.
The Procurement Strategy will be reviewed and refreshed on an annual basis and performance against the strategic objectives will be reviewed every 6 months and reported to the procurement board.
8. Strategy Ownership and Contact Details
The owner of this Procurement Strategy on behalf of North Ayrshire Council is:
Suzanne Bignell, Senior Manager (Corporate Procurement), 2nd Floor East, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE
Email: Procurement@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
9. Appendix 1 - Procurement Strategy Action Plan
Develop out team to deliver a professional procurement service
To ensure all Corporate Procurement Unit staff are fully trained and developed to reach their maximum potential, to offer a more strategic and commercial approach to procurement activities.
How our objectives will be met
Develop all new and existing Corporate Procurement Unit staff to be multi-skilled and able to carry out procurement exercises for any categories of spend, through appropriate professional qualifications, training, secondments, and mentoring.
Current status: Business as usual
Identify training needs linked to our strategic objectives detailed in our strategic training plan.
Current status: Business as usual
Deliver training through buddying, coaching, and mentoring and internal and external procurement training courses including climate literacy training.
Current status: Business as usual
To ensure that all procurement activity is carried out in a transparent, proportionate, non-discriminative, and accountable manner, in accordance with procurement legislation and North Ayrshire Council’s internal governance.
How our objectives will be met
Utilise e-Tendering systems, and provide proportionate streamlined procurement processes, and user friendly, clear precise plain English documentation for all North Ayrshire Council employees involved in the procurement process to use, that is easy for suppliers to interpret to ensure common understanding.
Current status: Business as usual
Ensure all elements of the contract strategy and tender process are reviewed and appropriately authorised to ensure non-discrimination, legal compliance, and delivery of best value.
Current status: Business as usual
Respond to changes, new procurement legislation or Scottish Procurement Policy Notes as appropriate.
Current status: Business as usual
To provide visibility of future contracting opportunities by advertising opportunities, maintaining, and publishing a Contract Register, tender waveplan, and procurement annual reports.
How our objectives will be met
Advertise all contracts electronically using Public Contracts Scotland in line with legislative requirements.
Current status: Business as usual
Publish Annual Reports, Procurement Strategies and Contract Register in line with legislative requirements.
Current status: Business as usual
Ensure all relevant contracts comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
How our objectives will be met
Ensure health and safety is addressed in all relevant contracts by insisting on adherence to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, requesting ISO450001 or equivalent policies and scoring risk and health and safety practices as part of the technical evaluation.
Current status: Business as usual
To procure food to improve health, wellbeing and education and promote high standards of animal welfare.
How our objectives will be met
Specify food procurements to ensure nutritional quality is addressed, seasonal products are purchased, and unnecessary use of natural resources is avoided and requesting certification relating to animal welfare standards.
Current status: Business as usual
Work with service teams to develop a robust specification and contract strategy for each procurement exercise.
How our objectives will be met
Work with services teams to develop a robust specification for each procurement exercise.
Current status: Business as usual
To ensure Corporate Procurement Unit staff and service teams work collaboratively to ensure best economic and social value is obtained from all external expenditure.
How our objectives will be met
Review spend data and identify off-contract spend - work with service teams to ensure contracts are in place.
Current status: Reviewed quarterly
Work with service teams to maintain an accurate tender waveplan to provide an overview of all contracts and supplier performance and enable efficient allocation of procurement resources.
Current status: Meet with teams quarterly
Work with service teams and suppliers to ensure continuous improvement, through regular meetings and using supplier and customer surveys.
Current status: Issue customer surveys annually, feedback facility on Connects and issue supplier surveys for all high value procurements.
Continue to improve procurement performance across the council as measured by the Scottish Government’s Procurement & Commercial Improvement Programme.
How our objectives will be met
Prepare for Procurement and Commercial Improvement Programme assessment ongoing utilising a Procurement and Commercial Improvement Programme improvement plan.
Current status: Last assessment date 28 November 2023. Next Assessment November 2026.
Deliver financial sustainability and optimise commercial acumen
Work with service teams to develop contract strategies and specifications aligned to the Council Plan, other North Ayrshire Council strategies, the National Performance Framework and Scottish Model of Procurement for all procurements (above £50K for supplies and services and above £500K for works) to deliver maximum economic and social value.
How our objectives will be met
Develop contract strategies and specifications to procure contracts to fully meet North Ayrshire Council’s needs, considering early supplier engagement, market research, demand management, innovation and substitutes, best route to market to maximise competition and value for money, best pricing options and mechanisms and inclusion of criteria to reduce climate impact and benefit the local economy.
Current status: Business as usual
Generate value from utilising collaborative contracts with other Councils, Scotland Excel, Scottish Government and Crown Commercial Services.
How our objectives will be met
Seek opportunities to collaborate with neighbouring local authorities and other public sector bodies as well as continuing to engage with Scottish Government procurement and Scotland Excel.
Current status: Business as usual
Continue to use and rationalise existing collaborative frameworks to obtain further savings through mini competitions, rationalise products, use alternative products and maximise rebates.
Current status: Business as usual
Work with the Procurement Board and internal service teams to maximise savings from national frameworks, through product rationalisation, taking advantage of rebates and utilising the best quality supplier(s) at the optimal price.
How our objectives will be met
Discuss saving opportunities at the Procurement Board.
Current status: Procurement Board meet quarterly
Train all Corporate Procurement Unit staff in commercial acumen.
How our objectives will be met
Carry out regular commercial acumen workshops so officers involved in procurement understand their responsibility to deliver best value and are open to carrying out thorough market research, benchmarking, utilising indexation tools negotiating, developing specifications, and robustly managing contracts and suppliers.
Current status: Carried out annually
Manage price increase requests and other negotiations.
How our objectives will be met
Carry out benchmarking exercises and utilise indexation tools and reports to understand market prices and negotiate price increase requests and post tender negotiations accordingly.
Current status: Business as usual
Monitor, report, and work with Service teams to rectify non-compliant spend.
How our objectives will be met
Provide Standing Orders Relating to Contracts training via e-Learning and recorded procurement and Single Tender Action Request training to all individuals involved in procurement activities across North Ayrshire Council.
Current status: Business as usual
Identify non-compliant spend to target spend that may be influenced by a competitive procurement exercise.
Current status: Reviewed quarterly. New Team Manager (Sustainability) role created to address non-compliant spend
Report non-compliant spend to the Procurement Board.
Current status: Reported quarterly
All North Ayrshire Council officers to adhere to a Contract and Supplier Management Policy to ensure the maximum economic and social value is continually driven from every contract.
How our objectives will be met
To manage all contracts in line with the Contract and Supplier Management policy and encourage all devolved contract and supplier mangers to do the same.
Current status: New Team Manager (Sustainability) role created to address compliance with the Contract and Supplier Management Policy
Tackle climate change and embrace a circular economy on our net-zero journey
Ensure that all external expenditure is procured sustainably, whilst encouraging and influencing our suppliers, contractors, and service providers to do the same.
How our objectives will be met
Ensure compliance with environmental law by issuing terms and conditions for all contracts.
Current status: Business as usual
Request appropriate certification in relevant contracts to meet specific environmental standards.
Current status: Business as usual
Support North Ayrshire Council’s drive to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 by ensuring that every contract strategy takes account of the potential impact on the environment and identifies ways in which the impact can be reduced utilising the sustainable procurement tools.
How our objectives will be met
Ensure all contract strategies consider socio economic and environmental impact and how this can be reduced utilising the sustainable procurement tools.
Current status: Business as usual
Apply relevant and proportionate selection and award criteria to ensure that environmental impacts are considered appropriately in procurement exercises.
Current status: Business as usual
Consider climate and circular economy considerations at the early buyer engagement stage and include relevant requirements in the specification.
Current status: Business as usual
Collaborate with service teams to implement, monitor and report actions to reduce climate impact and maximise circular economy opportunities.
How our objectives will be met
Complete FNT2030 templates with service teams to monitor and report progress against actions to reduce climate impact for relevant categories of spend.
Current status: Completed for Fleet, ICT, Waste and Building Services - October 2023
Create climate and circular economy case studies in collaboration with service teams and share best practice.
Current status: two published 2023/2024
Manage and monitor the Corporate Procurement Unit’s net-zero roadmap, aligned with the Sustainable North Ayrshire roadmap to demonstrate how the Corporate Procurement Unit are supporting North Ayrshire Council’s net-zero journey.
Current status: Reviewed annually
Report all actions to reduce the impact of climate within our annual procurement report.
Current status: Reported annually. New Team Manager (Sustainability) role created to address net-zero ambitions.
Create an inclusive North Ayrshire with access to fair jobs
To create employment in North Ayrshire through community benefit clauses.
How our objectives will be met
Monitor and report on delivery of employment through community benefit clauses included in procurement exercises.
Current status: Monitored every 6 months or more frequent by the Community Benefits Officer and reported annually.
Ensure all contracts promote the payment of the real living wage and fair working practices (including equality) for all employees engaged in the delivery of North Ayrshire Council contracts.
How our objectives will be met
Encourage fair work practices and payment of real living wage in all relevant contracts and score as part of the quality evaluation where appropriate.
Current status: Business as usual
Refer all suppliers who are not living wage accredited or do not pay living wage to all suitable staff to the Fair Work Ayrshire Team to enable them to encourage payment/accreditation status.
Current status: Business as usual
Ensure prompt payment to suppliers and sub-contractors.
How our objectives will be met
Aim to pay all suppliers within 30 days of receipt of an accurate invoice and encourage prompt payment to sub-contractors (within 30 days), using the appropriate terms and conditions and addressing via the pre-qualification and Contract and supplier Management process.
Current status: Business as usual
To eliminate modern slavery from all North Ayrshire Council supply chains.
How our objectives will be met
Include mandatory agreement to North Ayrshire Council’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking code of conduct in all procurement exercises.
Current status: Business as usual
Publish Modern Slavey and Human Trafficking whistle blowing process on the North Ayrshire Council external website.
Current status: Business as usual
Ask all bidders to sign a declaration to say they have taken relevant measures to ensure the supply chains are slavery proof.
Current status: Business as usual
Identify and mitigate the risks associated with serious and organised crime.
How our objectives will be met
Adhere to the Police Scotland Protocol regarding serious organised crime, sharing prospective bidders and responding to concerns from Police Scotland.
Current status: Business as usual
Ensure that all external expenditure is procured, fairly, and ethically whilst encouraging and influencing our suppliers, contractors, and service providers to do the same.
How our objectives will be met
Request appropriate certification in relevant contracts to meet specific, social standards such as Fair Trade.
Current status: Business as usual
Ensure all staff are trained in supply chain ethics.
How our objectives will be met
Complete Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply ethical supply chain training.
Current status: Completed annually
Support sustainable resilient supply chains and optimise opportunities for local suppliers
Understand and promote community wealth building.
How our objectives will be met
Develop the corporate culture and status of procurement as a key feature of community wealth building.
Current status: Business as usual
Senior Manager (Corporate Procurement) attends Community Wealth Building Working Group.
Current status: Attend quarterly meetings, and report local contract awards
Participate in the Community Wealth Building Procurement Lead Officers group to optimise community wealth building.
Current status: As required
Improve engagement with local suppliers, social enterprises, and supported businesses to promote opportunities.
How our objectives will be met
Carry out early supplier engagement to encourage local bidders to bid for future contract opportunities.
Current status: Business as usual
Maintain a published contract register and report on future procurement projects over the next 2 years within the Annual Procurement report to enable local Small and medium enterprises, Third Sector Organisations and Supported Business’s to have future visibility and be able to prepare to bid for future contracts.
Current status: Business as usual
Consider involvement of local Small and medium enterprises, Third Sector Organisations and supported businesses at the early buyer engagement stage.
Current status: Business as usual
Create a local supplier database identifying levels on turnover and insurance and memberships, accreditations and qualification to identify suitable suppliers for procurements.
Current status: Work underway
Optimise use of procurement processes to award more contracts to local suppliers.
How our objectives will be met
Consider sub-dividing tenders into lots, giving cognisance to accessibility of contracts for local Small and medium enterprises, Third Sector Organisations and Supported Business’s.
Current status: Business as usual
Collaborate with North Ayrshire Council’s Business Support and Development Team to grow local capability and capacity and to promote innovation.
How our objectives will be met
Work with North Ayrshire Council’s Business Support and Development Team to maximise local supplier participation in the Quick Quote and other procurement processes.
Current status: Business as usual
Work with the Business Support Team to fully understand our local businesses and their capability and capacity to supply.
Current status: New posts created within the Business Support and Development Team and Corporate Procurement Unit to address community wealth building
10. Appendix 2 - Corporate Procurement Unit Net-Zero Roadmap
Affordable Warmth
Reduce number of households in fuel poverty
Implement additional phases of domestic solar PV installations
Action complete?
Yes
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Procurement of contractor to undertake Phase 1 and Phase 2 of 500 property project.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Contract awarded 2017 (installations 2018 to 2021).
Contract awarded 2020 (installations 2020 to 2023).
a) Implement external wall insulation for domestic properties, to reduce carbon emissions and provide energy savings
b) Investigate the potential for and funding sources to develop our approach to affordable net zero energy retrofits
Action complete?
No (almost awarded, expected 2023)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2027
What Procurement support is required?
Procurement of Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) Contractor.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/MC/1068 Installation of Domestic Rooftop Solar PV Systems (awarded 2018).
NAC/MC/5038 Provision of Solar PV for Domestic Properties (awarded 2020).
NAC/MC/5124 Area Based Scheme (ABS) Energy Efficiency Managing Agent (awarded 2022).
CPU working on tender for third generation contract, currently being evaluated, and will hopefully commence before the end of 2023.
Develop and implement an overarching Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) for North Ayrshire, to remove energy efficiency as a driver for fuel poverty
Action complete?
No (expected before end of 2023)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
December 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Procurement support to appoint LHESS Consultant.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/STA/5191 Delivery of North Ayrshire’s Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan (awarded 2023).
a) Develop heat networks where appropriate
b) Work towards renewable / zero carbon heat networks
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
August 2024
What Procurement support is required?
CPU to help procure Afton Court which includes air source heat pumps.
CPU to procure the construction and design of Ardrossan Campus which includes an air source heat pump.
Morgan Sindall recently appointed to develop PCSA for Ardrossan Campus. Procurement support required for completion of RIBA stage 4 detailed design submission and Financial Close in August 2024.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/QQ/5138 Design and Build of 6 Amenity Bungalows at Afton Court, Stevenston (awarded 2022)
NAC/5129 Ardrossan Community Campus (Main Contractor) (awarded 2023).
Investigate potential use of battery storage for homes.
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Procurement of Consultant.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Service checking status of live, and will confirm accordingly.
Identify fuel poverty alleviation projects through partnership working.
Action complete?
Not applicable to Procurement
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
a) Develop EV charging programme to facilitate domestic infrastructure, in both new and existing properties
b) Incorporate in the programme: bike storage, eBike charge points and low carbon transport infrastructure which encourage reducing car use
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Procurement support to procure EV charge points.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Housing will soon be putting EV charging points into new build developments however these will be incorporated into the main construction contracts and at present these will be limited to individual dwellings so no need for additional O&M contracts. Currently considering approach to communal charging – no decisions have been made but this may require CPU input – this work is at the early stages.
Raise awareness of low carbon behaviours at home.
Action complete?
Not applicable to Procurement
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
a) Ensure that affordable, energy efficiency homes built under the council’s housing development programme are built to the Greener Standard or equivalent, maximising renewable energy and heat network capability
b) Establish minimum standard for heating and local renewable supply where possible
c) Seek to prioritise building new properties to a high energy efficiency (for example, Passivhaus and EnerPHit Standards)
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
Support call-offs from SXL new build framework which supports greener standards.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
This action is ongoing and CPU are already supporting projects on a site by site basis. Housing do this work before we get to tender stage and the sustainability route / heating systems will be noted in the main contractor tenders – Housing undertake an individual energy and heating study for each site currently.
Green Economy
Reduced area wide carbon emissions (by percentage)
Deliver the innovative £500,000 Green Jobs Fund to support a just transition in North Ayrshire.
Action complete?
Ongoing (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2024
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
CG workstream is ongoing and will be driven by regional economic strategy, no resource is anticipated from Procurement.
Through the Green Jobs Fund and wider Community Wealth Building approach, support green local supply chain initiatives and supplier development to improve the resilience of the local business base.
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
August 2024
What Procurement support is required?
CPU include community benefit clauses in all procurements over 50K for supplies and services and £100K for works requesting support for local SMEs and TSOs and encouraging sub-contracting opportunities to local suppliers.
The Community Wealth Building Quick Quote process is utilised to invite local suppliers only to guaranteed award locally.
Ardrossan Campus - Community Benefits to encourage sub-contracting to local supplier.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Business as usual
QQs awarded locally:
- 2020/2021 - 330 thousand
- 2021/2022 - 660 thousand
- 2022/2023 - 2.7 million
NAC/5129 Ardrossan Community Campus (Main Contractor) (awarded 2023).
Deliver the £8.8 million Investment Fund to support Community Wealth Building, infrastructure investment and tackle climate change including utilising our land and property assets to help develop low carbon and renewable energy schemes and environmental activity to support our green transition.
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
August 2024
What Procurement support is required?
CPU are procuring design and construction of Ardrossan Campus which is delivering a low carbon energy scheme and renewable energy. Morgan Sindall appointed to develop PCSA for Ardrossan Campus. Procurement support required for completion of RIBA stage 4 detailed design submission and Financial Close in August 2024.
CPU procured the design, construction, operation and maintenance of two Solar PV Farms to generate renewal energy and an income to the council.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/5129 Ardrossan Community Campus (Main Contractor) (awarded 2023).
NAC/5094 Design and Build of Solar PV Farms at Nethermains, Kilwinning and Shewalton, Irvine (awarded 2023).
Deliver the Community Wealth Building Procurement Objective of using our spend to ‘actively encourage and support a growing, diverse and resilient local business base, and to support our net zero carbon ambitions’.
Action complete?
Ongoing
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
The Community Wealth Building Quick Quote process is utilised to invite local suppliers only to guaranteed award locally.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
QQs awarded locally:
- 2020/2021 - 330 thousand
- 2021/2022 - 660 thousand
- 2022/2023 - 2.7 million
Position North Ayrshire and the wider Ayrshire region as region for investment in circular economy and renewable energy net zero technologies, including through participation in the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership ‘Clean Growth’ workstream.
Action complete?
Ongoing (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2024
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
CG workstream is ongoing and will be driven by regional economic strategy, no resource is anticipated from Procurement.
Progress the Ayrshire Regional Skills Investment Plan and Ayrshire Growth Deal Regional Skills Fund to identify the ‘green skills’ required as we move to net zero and support communities to upskill and reskill.
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2024
What Procurement support is required?
Procuring a training framework to develop skills.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
RPA to be submitted. Grants will be utilised for some training and a Pan-Ayrshire framework will be set up for residual training.
Undertake a feasibility study to outline options and recommendations for the potential scope of a repair economy and ‘remakery’ project(s) in North Ayrshire that aligns to the principles of Community Wealth Building and builds on existing community and business remake and reuse activity.
Action complete?
Yes (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Building on the Zero Waste Strategy, develop a circular economy approach to enhance innovation and reduce waste through working with partners including Zero Waste Scotland.
Action complete?
Yes (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Grant funded project awarded to Eco Savvy for a feasibly study to see if they could carry out waste composting on Arran. Eco Savy instructed Mabbet to do the work.
Promote the Hunterston Strategic Development Area as a site of national significance which includes £18 million of Ayrshire Growth Deal investment from the UK Government.
Action complete?
Yes
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Procurement of a consultant to undertake the natural capital account of the Hunterston Strategic Development Area.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/QQ/5124 Natural Capital Account of the Hunterston Strategic Development Area (awarded 2021).
Deliver the ambitious Regeneration Delivery Plan, including a specific focus on environmental priorities and effective digital connectivity, recognising changes in the way we live and work.
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
August 2024
What Procurement support is required?
The CPU are procuring design and construction of Ardrossan Campus which will deliver 1GB connectivity to Ardrossan.
Ardrossan Campus is also part of the regeneration of Ardrossan Coastal Quarter.
Morgan Sindall appointed to develop PCSA for Ardrossan Campus. Procurement support required for completion of RIBA stage 4 detailed design submission and Financial Close in August 2024.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/5129 Ardrossan Community Campus (Main Contractor) (awarded 2023).
Continue to participate in the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) research project exploring the use of Community Wealth Building Strategy techniques for local energy transition and developing practical guidance to support this.
Action complete?
Not applicable to Procurement
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
1 March 2023, then ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Use the forthcoming Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) to identify projects to support local businesses.
Action complete?
No (ongoing)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2024
What Procurement support is required?
May require procurement of consultants, depending on the outcome of the report.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
To be confirmed
Continue to implement the Ayrshire CWB Anchor Charter which includes a ‘sixth CWB pillar’ of ‘Environment and Climate Action’ to ensure commitment and action from Anchor Institutions in the region to achieving net zero and delivering a more inclusive economy.
Action complete?
Ongoing (procurement involved unlikely)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Work with Highlands and Island Enterprise, Scottish Government and island communities and businesses to deliver the Island Recovery and Renewal Pilot, including the development of ambitious 10 year plans for Arran and Cumbrae that support an inclusive and green economic recovery.
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2026
What Procurement support is required?
Procurement of consultants.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/STA/5088 North Ayrshire 10-Year Island Plans, Islands Engagement (awarded 2021).
NAC/STA/5118 Island Green Programme – Accelerating the Path to Net-Zero Islands – Provision of On-Island Delivery Service (awarded 2022).
A two year extension from Feb 2024-Feb 2026 has been agreed to continue to work with Highlands and Island Enterprise, Scottish Government and island communities and businesses to continue delivery and further strengthen the Island Recovery and Renewal project moving from a pilot to a mainstream activity, including the delivery and refresh of ambitious 10 year plans for Arran and Cumbrae that support an inclusive and green economic recovery.
Publish an Inclusive Economy Dashboard learning from the Doughnut Economics tool which proposes an economy with a social foundation we cannot fall below and environmental limits that should not be exceeded.
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2024
What Procurement support is required?
None
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Service are currently working with a company called Metro Dynamics to refresh/create a new Inclusive Economy Dashboard. This is paid for through their membership of the Inclusive Growth Network who contract directly with Metro Dynamics and therefore no procurement support is required.
Transport and Travel
Increased number of electric charge points in North Ayrshire
Apply for Switched on Towns and Cities Funding to install 36 charge points in Irvine (identified in the Energy Saving Trust’s EV Feasibility Report).
Action complete?
Cancelled (consolidated with Transport Scotland Path Finder)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2022
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Develop solar charging hubs in North Ayrshire.
Action complete?
Yes
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
The hubs as part of the Ardrossan Low Carbon Hub are now complete.
Recently been awarded more UK Government funding and the project will include an element of EV charging so some procurement action will be required, but as part of a much wider commission.
a) Install Workplace Chargers to further electrify the Council’s fleet to ensure transition of fleet to EV (strategic positioning of charging facilities).
b) Review transition of services where possible to lower carbon emissions e.g. light commercial vehicles for deliveries etc.
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
August 2024
What Procurement support is required?
Procure design and construction of Ardrossan Campus (Workplace chargers to be installed at Ardrossan Campus 1 in 10 place)s with flexibility to increase to all spaces.
Morgan Sindall appointed to develop PCSA for Ardrossan Campus. Procurement support required for completion of RIBA stage 4 detailed design submission and Financial Close in August 2024.
Consultant to develop a public electric vehicle charging business case to be procured, along with the installation of charging points and associated works / services.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/5129 Ardrossan Community Campus (Main Contractor) (awarded 2023).
NAC/MC/5014 Electric Vehicle Charge Pointed (awarded 2020).
NAC/DA/5033 Provision of a Corporate Telematics Solution (awarded 2021).
NAC/DA/5037 Public Electric Vehicle Charging Business Case, Ayrshire (awarded 2022).
NAC/QQ/5167 Provision of a Fleet Decarbonisation Consultant (awarded 2022).
Implement actions from the Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy.
Action complete?
No (expected to complete March 2024)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Procurement of Electric Vehicle Charge Points.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/MC/5014 Electric Vehicle Charge points (awarded 2020).
NAC/STA/1065 Electric Vehicle Charge point Maintenance (awarded 2019).
Work with government agencies and external partners to increase the number of publicly available charging points in North Ayrshire.
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
August 2024
What Procurement support is required?
PMI are working with SFT and Chargeplace Scotland Workplace chargers to be installed at Ardrossan Campus 1 in 10 places with flexibility to increase to all spaces.
Morgan Sindall appointed to develop PCSA for Ardrossan Campus. Procurement support required for completion of RIBA stage 4 detailed design submission and Financial Close in August 2024.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/5129 Ardrossan Community Campus (Main Contractor) (awarded 2023).
Reduced miles driven by percentage
a) Deliver the Trinity Active Travel Hub and Travel Smart Campaign to encourage more sustainable travel choices
b) Deliver the Ardrossan Low Carbon Hub
c) Identify the ways to utilise assets to support active and low carbon local travel networks for example, all school pupils and community to have an easily accessible active travel routes to schools, health services, shopping, leisure etc.
Action complete?
a) ongoing
b) almost complete
c) ongoing
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Annually until March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
a) Procurement assistance will be required as we progress and as contracts need renewed.
b) Project nearing completion on site. No further action expected.
c) Again this a fairly ongoing action. It is likely some of our future projects, active travel paths etc will fall under this and we’ll use existing frameworks to deliver as far as possible. Some new contracts may be required.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/2157 Proposed Internal Alterations to Trinity Church, Irvine (awarded 2018).
NAC/QQ/1229 Framework for the Supply of eBikes to NAC (awarded 2019).
NAC/STA/5162 Delivery of Cycle Training Services for Trinity Active Travel Hub (awarded 2022).
In addition, the following NAC frameworks were utilised for additional works/services.
NAC/2063 Professional Consultancy Services Civil Engineering.
NAC/2031 Provision of Mechanical and Electrical Consultancy Services.
NAC/2068 Provision of Civil and Structural Engineering Services.
NAC/2075 CDM Advisor to the Principal Designer.
NAC/1096 Installation & Maintenance of Network Cabling & Related Services.
Implement actions from the Fleet Sustainability Review.
Action complete?
Ongoing (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2024
What Procurement support is required?
None
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Transport have advertised for a Project Manager to take the actions from the study forward, no procurement support is anticipated.
a) Embed better use of technology in the new North Ayrshire Council Digital Strategy to help reduce travel and carbon emissions.
b) Develop new ways of working through the ‘Our Future Working Environment’ project to help reduce travel and carbon emissions.
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
The CPU are procuring design and construction of Ardrossan Community.
Campus encouraging active travel - electric bike charge points, close to bus links.
Morgan Sindall appointed to develop PCSA for Ardrossan Campus. Procurement support required for completion of RIBA stage 4 detailed design submission and Financial Close in August 2024.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/5129 Ardrossan Community Campus (Main Contractor) (awarded 2023).
Natural Environment
Secure, clean and biologically diverse natural environment monitored through Scottish performance indicators*
Support supplementary guidance to enhance the adopted Local Development Plan for North Ayrshire.
Action complete?
Cancelled
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Cancelled
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
This action is not complete, and has been deleted from the new ESCCS.
Undertake a Local Nature Conservation Site review to ensure decisions which may have an impact on local habitats are based on an up-to-date understanding of the value of such sites to North Ayrshire’s biodiversity.
Action complete?
Yes (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Procurement support to appoint consultant to undertake review.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Value was below 5 thousand therefore procured directly by Planning Services.
Deliver biodiversity awareness to schools and young people.
Action complete?
Not applicable to Procurement
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Implement the Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
Action complete?
Not applicable to Procurement
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Continue to support the increase in local food production (including community and school gardens and allotments; local businesses and plural forms of ownership including social enterprises, cooperatives, community enterprises).
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
3 town growers - continue partnership with Campus on new site to grow food.
Morgan Sindall appointed to develop PCSA for Campus. Objective will be realised once construction complete. Development of Stakeholder Reference Group and 3 Towns Growers form part of that group.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Continue to support food provenance and maximise the use of locally grown food through the actions within the North Ayrshire Food Growing Strategy.
Action complete?
To be confirmed
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Sustainable Operations
Reduced council estate and area wide emissions (by percentage)
Design and install our first solar photovoltaic farm in North Ayrshire.
Action complete?
No (contract is still live)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2022
What Procurement support is required?
Procurement of 2 Solar PV Farms, and associated services/works.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/MC/5076 Provision of a Principal Designer at Nethermains Solar PV Farm (awarded 2021).
NAC/STA/5104 Planning Application for Nethermains Solar PV Farm (awarded 2022).
NAC/QQ/5176 Provision of an Energy Consultant to North Ayrshire Council (awarded 2022).
NAC/STA/5148 Planning Application for Shewalton Solar PV Farm (awarded 2022).
NAC/STA/5166 Grid Connection Costs for Nethermains Solar PV Farm (awarded 2023).
NAC/STA/5168 Grid Connection Costs for Shewalton Solar PV Farm (awarded 2023).
NAC/5094 Design and Build of Solar PV Farms at Nethermains, Kilwinning and Shewalton, Irvine (awarded 2023).
Currently assisting with the appointment of a Design Guardian and Clark of Works.
Establish a North Ayrshire Council Climate Change Steering Group.
Action complete?
Yes (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2022
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Produce a carbon budget for North Ayrshire and use the SCATTER tool to plan carbon reduction works and scenarios.
Action complete?
No (delayed until next strategy)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
To be confirmed in next strategy
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Develop an Energy Systems model for North Ayrshire.
Action complete?
Ongoing (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2022
What Procurement support is required?
Lead by East Ayrshire Council
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Review the Corporate Performance Framework data set to reflect the journey to net-zero carbon.
Action complete?
Yes (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2022
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Utilise academic partnerships to identify, explore and enhance large scale low carbon projects, for example the North Shore, i3 and new housing development.
Action complete?
Ongoing
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Procurement of partnerships/consultants.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/STA/5043 University of Strathclyde Partnership (awarded 2020).
Develop and implement an operational plan to:
- improve energy efficiency of non-domestic buildings within the Council’s estate
- ensure best practice buildings and systems so that the energy efficiency performance gap is eliminated
Action complete?
No
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
Ardrossan Community Campus, which will deliver energy efficiency through Passivhaus design.
Morgan Sindall appointed to develop PCSA for Campus. Operational energy efficiency will be evident once completed. Design to Passivhaus Classic standards.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/5129 Ardrossan Community Campus (Main Contractor) (awarded 2023).
Investigate potential use of battery storage for non-domestic buildings.
Action complete?
Yes
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Procurement of Energy Consultant.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/QQ/5176 Provision of an Energy Consultant to North Ayrshire Council (awarded 2022).
Deliver a consistent and effective Low Carbon Behaviour campaign.
Action complete?
Yes (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Investigate feasibility for islands becoming net zero carbon communities.
Action complete?
Yes (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Implement the Zero Waste Strategy.
Action complete?
No (strategy won't be ready until next spring - Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Carbon Absorption
Increased number of trees planted in North Ayrshire
Develop a strategic options appraisal for delivery of a tree planting initiative.
Action complete?
To be confirmed
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2022
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Implement a tree planting initiative.
Action complete?
No (RPA expected soon)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2024
What Procurement support is required?
Appoint a contractor for a new tree planning/woodland creation site.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Service will shortly submit an RPA to appoint a contractor for a new tree planning/woodland creation site.
Reduced area wide carbon emissions (by percentage)
Identify opportunities to support carbon capture and storage technology.
Action complete?
Ongoing (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Maintain up to date knowledge and awareness of carbon capture opportunities and technologies for application in North Ayrshire.
Action complete?
Ongoing (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Climate Change Adaptation
Completed Adaptation Scotland’s Framework for a Climate Ready Public Sector
Implement Adaptation Scotland’s Framework for a Climate Ready Public Sector with specific focus given to the following:
a) Understand what the future climate means for North Ayrshire
b) Identify what can be done to build resilience to cope with this change
c) Increase the resilience of our buildings, services and infrastructure
d) Understand the vulnerabilities of our community and our businesses in relation to climate change and helping our community and business to build climate resilience
Action complete?
Yes (Procurement not involved)
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Not applicable
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Not applicable
Enhanced flood and coastal resilience monitored through the Local Flood Risk Management Plan Indicators
Develop and deliver required flood protection scheme for the Upper Garnock Valley.
Action complete?
Yes
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Procure construction of a flood protection scheme for the Upper Garnock Valley, and associated services and works.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/DA/2006 Direct Award for the Detailed Design of Upper Garnock Valley Flood Protection Scheme (awarded 2018).
NAC/STA/5009 Upper Garnock Flood Protection Scheme – Supplementary Mining Investigation (awarded 2020).
NAC/DA/5007 Direct Award for the Upper Garnock Flood Protection Scheme (awarded 2020).
NAC/2120 Upper Garnock Valley Flood Protection Scheme Works (awarded 2020).
NAC/QQ/5041 Property Condition Surveys for the Upper Garnock Valley Flood Protection Scheme (awarded 2020).
NAC/STA/5029 Upper Garnock Valley Flood Protection Scheme - Purchase of CEMAR Project Management Software (awarded 2020).
NAC/STA/5175 Land Agent Extension - Upper Garnock Flood Protection Scheme (awarded 2023).
Develop and deliver required flood protection schemes for Millport.
Action complete?
Yes
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
March 2023
What Procurement support is required?
Procure construction of a flood protection scheme for Millport, and all associated works and services.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
NAC/STA/5042 Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme (Detailed Design including Preparation of Main Contract Documentation) (awarded 2020).
NAC/QQ/5063 Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme - Landscape Architect Services (awarded 2021).
NAC/DA/5023 Additional Consultancy for Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme (awarded 2022).
NAC/DA/5036 Design Consultancy for Millport Flood Prevention Scheme - Phase 3 (awarded 2021).
NAC/MC/5101 NEC4 ECC Project Management for Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme (awarded 2022).
NAC/STA/5165 Purchase of CEMAR Software, Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme (awarded 2022).
NAC/DA/5049 Millport Coastal Flood Protection Scheme - Construction Phase Design Support (awarded 2022).
NAC/5075 Millport Flood Protection Scheme Construction (awarded 2022).
Complete studies of areas identified as potentially vulnerable to flooding in line with the approved Flood Risk Management Strategy and Action Plan.
Action complete?
To be confirmed
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
The following flood studies are planned to be completed by mid-2028:
Surface Water Management Plan Actions. The Council led actions in the SASK Surface Water Management Plan are programmed for after 2025. This requires partnership working with Scottish Water.
Irvine Natural Flood Management (NFM) Study, which will be taken forward as part of the Stevenston & Irvine Coastal Erosion and Accessibility Study.
Brodick NFM Study, which is programmed after 2025.
Lamlash NFM, which is programmed after 2025.
Whiting Bay Flood Study, which is programmed to be awarded in the 2024/2025 financial year.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Three towns flood study, which was awarded on the 3 August 2023 via the Engineering and Technical Consultancy Framework Contract as a direct award.
Kilbirnie & Glengarnock Flood Study. The first phase was awarded on the 23 October 2023 via the Engineering and Technical Consultancy Framework Contract as a direct award.
Strengthen scientific evidence and awareness building of current and future coastal change along Ayrshire’s coast through the actions within the Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan.
Action complete?
To be confirmed
Timescale when the action should be completed by?
Ongoing
What Procurement support is required?
Irvine & Stevenston Coastal Adaptation Study.
An application was submitted to the Coastal Change Adaptation Programme for capital funding for a coastal study at Whiting Bay Village Green. If successful, this work will be delivered in 2024/2025.
Progress update/Status for an activity or other element of the action/project
Irvine & Stevenston Coastal Adaptation Study (in procurement; award anticipated in December 2023).
11. Appendix 3 - Version Control
Date
December 2023
Date
December 2023
Page, paragraph or section updated
Page 31
Revision type
Addition of Appendix 2 - CPU Net-Zero Roadmap
Revision details
Strategy updated to include CPU Net-Zero Roadmap.
Date
November 2024
Page, paragraph or section updated
Various
Revision type
- Removing acronyms
- Updating statistics
- Adjusting strategic actions/current status
Revision details
- Removing acronyms to make the document accessible
- Updating statistics for spend
- Adjusting strategic actions/current status to address new Sustainability Team Manager role and local database creation