PURCHASING PROCEDURES - University of Central Lancashire

PURCHASING POLICY
The University's Views on Purchasing
The University seeks to ensure that its operational activities are consistent with, and supportive of,
the Mission Statement and its associated values and aims, and are consistent with the policy stances
taken by the institution on equal opportunities, regional affairs and environmental issues. The
University, therefore, wishes to ensure that the process of the purchasing of goods for the
University is sensitive to environmental factors, that it shows commitment to the region by,
wherever possible, procuring goods from local firms, and that it facilitates equality of opportunity
through contract compliance measures. These principles of purchasing will only be adopted,
however, where value for money can be achieved.
Policy Statement on Purchasing
The University's Purchasing Policy is derived from the Mission Statement and associated values
and aims. The Purchasing Policy will also operate within the wider framework of the Financial
Regulations and legislative requirements.
The Purchasing Policy is as follows: -
1. The University will seek to achieve value for money in all purchases.
2. Environmentally friendlier products will be purchased, wherever possible.
3. Wherever possible, the University will not deal with companies who are known to operate
discriminatory practices. All University contracts will include a clause upon which contract
compliance will be sought.
4. Subject to European directives, products will normally be purchased within the North West
of England and, wherever possible, in Lancashire and Cumbria.
5. Goods and Services will be purchased from within approved contracts and ranges where
available.
6. Purchasing will be on the basis of "just-in-time" to prevent unnecessarily large levels of
stock being maintained.
Principles of Implementation
All contracts for standard items and environmentally friendlier products (as defined in the
purchasing procedures) will be negotiated by the Head of Purchasing. Major items and group
purchases (as defined in the purchasing procedures) will be technically specified by the specialist
staff, and the Head of Purchasing will undertake all contract negotiations.
Purchasing Procedures December 2011