Government departments have won praise for their progress in driving forward improvements in procurement practice. The improvements are detailed in an overview report, published by the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), on the findings of the first wave of the Procurement Capability Review (PCR). PCR results demonstrate how Whitehall departments have developed a range of ‘robust' improvements in line with best practice, including fundamental rethinks of their commercial structures and procurement organisations, the appointment of new senior departmental commercial staff, and the creation of new commercial strategies. Nigel Smith, chief executive of the OGC, said: ‘OGC's Procurement Capability Review programme has already delivered enormous benefits through promoting and embedding innovative and best practice procurement across Whitehall. ‘If the Government is to ensure that it meets its efficiency targets, then it is vital that momentum is maintained, especially through developing the procurement skills base which currently exists.' PCRs play a significant role in supporting the Government's Operational Efficiency Programme (OEP), which aims to achieve efficiency savings from collaborative procurement of £5.7bn by 2011-12, and £7.7bn by 2013-14.
