7 April 2010 | Helen Gilbert
The National Trust is recruiting 11 regional buyers as part of a broader move to put procurement at the forefront of its ‘going local’ strategy.
The charity protects and makes public more than 350 historic houses, gardens and ancient monuments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The new purchasing posts reflect its goals for the next decade, which include getting closer to local communities and suppliers and putting properties and natural environments “back at the centre of community life to encourage a sense of belonging, local pride and identity”.
So far the Trust has shifted power from the centre to the properties, such as historic sites and stately homes, including control of budget. It will now advocate local procurement and recruitment policies to connect its properties more closely to local communities.
Regional procurement managers will be appointed to cover Yorkshire, the North East, North West, South West, South, and South East of England, East Anglia, the West and East Midlands. They also cover Northern Ireland and Wales.
Responsibilities will include developing effective relationships with stakeholders in the region, developing strong, sustainable working relationships with suppliers and putting in place sustainable contracts and, where appropriate, supporting local producers and supply chains.
The National Trust could not provide any more detail but the advertisement states: “We’re moving from direct buying and looking for real leaders to empower others to reach their potential.
“In short, by identifying efficiencies in line with our sustainability ethos and local agenda, you’ll be helping ensure we can put more into protecting our dramatic coastline, beautiful countryside and historic buildings and make sure they remain accessible to all.”
