16 November 2006

The Government Procurement Service (GPS) is to be strengthened and its chief will receive more powers under reforms outlined this month.

The service was set up in 1999 to improve public sector procurement.

John Healey, financial secretary to the treasury and procurement minister, told delegates at the National Sustainable Procurement Conference that he intends to increase the power and responsibility wielded by the head of the service to develop procurement in government. The head will also establish stronger links with departmental commercial directors and heads of procurement.

Healey said the GPS had to be marketed more effectively.

"The scale of public procure-ment is unparalleled and we're asking more of procurers than ever before," he said.

"To meet these challenges we need the capability and credibility that can only come from the skills base of a profession."

Mark Pedlingham has been named the new head of the GPS.

SMnov2006