Selecting the right partners

Running an effective procurement process and setting the scene for a different approach

Why this matters

Picking the right partner(s) is crucial. You will likely be asking them to work with you in a different way to how they normally work with commissioners.

What can go wrong

Selecting the right partner for working in a more formally relational way can be difficult without the buy-in of colleagues from other internal teams who have a responsibility for the contract, like procurement. Commissioners are also often concerned about the risk of running an unfair process, and potential partners need to be up for working in more flexible and adaptive way.

Good practice and useful resources

The content in this section is all about running an effective and compliant procurement process to find a partner who is aligned with the vision of the partnership and who will be able to work in a flexible, adaptive and highly transparent way.

• What's allowed under the 2023 Procurement Act
• Helping potential providers understand and respond to what you're looking for
• Starting to shape the contract
• Evaluating partner responses