Local authorities seeking to improve their procurement skills have been asked to meet a 9 September deadline to join a national training programme.

From October the next cohort of entrants to join the Cabinet Office run Commissioning Academy will be able to develop the practical skills and commercial judgment to redesign how public services are provided and manage new markets.

Demand for places at the Commissioning Academy increased by 50% last year and independent research from the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) found 71.9% of those who took part in the programme felt a tangible benefit from having taken part, and were confident participation would lead to positive outcomes for citizens.