About CBC
Originally formed to collectively purchase items for their store’s operations, the group has evolved as the role of procurement in local government has expanded. It now fosters collaboration, networking and shared learning between its member authorities covering 25% of the population of England and helps influence the procurement approach across the local authority sector.
CBC is unique in the Local Authority sector in terms of its size of membership and its approach being based on its 24 member authorities collaborating and sharing for mutual benefit across over 400 procurement professionals who work for its members.
Objectives of CBC
The main objectives are:
COLLABORATE
As a group develop competitive purchasing arrangements for selected services and products that are required by the member local authorities and their associated public sector organisations, which enable them to make financial savings and efficiency improvements.
BENCHMARKING
To undertake benchmarking and comparative exercises to enable authorities to learn from others and achieve the optimum solution.
LEARNING
To help develop the skills and knowledge of individuals in member authorities.
NETWORKING
CBC is a network by which member authorities can actively exchange ideas, learn about, and explore opportunities for innovation, improvements, deliver savings, and changes which affect local government procurement, be these legal, supply market, government policy or social and environmental issues.
INFLUENCE
To actively influence and promote relevant procurement ideas and innovations within the wider government circle, to improve outcomes.
INTERNAL CONSULTANCY
Members offer practical support to other member authorities where one authority has skills and knowledge which can benefit another authority which has a specific need or requirement in a particular project.
SHARED SERVICE
Provide a shared service where there is a cost-effective solution for one member to provide a particular service to others.
Benefits of CBC Membership
Management Group
The Heads of Procurement meeting approximately every two months to review strategic issues, invite external guest speakers and share best practice.
CBC Network Group
In addition to Management Group, there are a number of sub groups that focus on specific areas of interest.
Access to shared learning including Group membership of World Commerce and Contracting (WCC) and access to White Paper Conference event for Procurement.