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The new procurement policy launched today by the Treasury & Resources Department brings more focus on the impact the States procurement activities have on Guernsey's community.
The policy expands the definition of value to include wider benefits to the Island, enabling activities such as support to the community or local charities as well as local employment and retaining expenditure on island, to be taken into consideration when awarding a contract.
Deputy Gavin St Pier, Minister for Treasury and Resources said:
"We have reviewed the procurement policy for the States of Guernsey in the light of our responsibility to ensure the way that we contract with suppliers is open and fair, yet delivers the best possible value for money that can be achieved. Traditionally 'best value' has looked at both quality and price as the key elements, and we have always striven to deliver the best value we can when spending tax payer's money, ensuring we achieve the right balance of these two criteria. We believe this is a positive step forward for Guernsey, and gives a clear message of intent that what is best for 'Guernsey plc' lies at the heart of our procurement decisions."
The Commerce and Employment Department and local commerce and industry were consulted in developing the policy.
Deputy Kevin Stewart, Minister for Commerce and Employment, commented:
"We believe this policy is a very positive step forwards in the relationship between the States of Guernsey and our local suppliers. We have always striven for a holistic approach and I am personally delighted to see this now enshrined formally in how we do business."
Eric Legg, Chairman of the Construction Industry Forum, said:
"The Construction Industry is delighted with this positive and proactive approach by the States to ensure that there is an option for suitable contracts to be looked upon as being achievable solely by local Companies and when specialist involvement is required this may be brought in on the basis of an exchange of skills with the local Industry. "It is an excellent example where the States of Guernsey has not only involved local Industries in discussions but listened to them and acted in a relatively short time scale which will be to the benefit of the Guernsey economy as a whole."
Barry Cash, Director of the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce, said:
"Chamber has reviewed the key principles enshrined within the Procurement Policy Document and concur they should ensure that the ethos of fair and open competition is balanced with the economic interests of the local community. It is important that the Policy encourages a vibrant and healthy economy which will serve the islands' long term interests and demonstrate that we are open for business to all, and provided the policy is implemented in this manner we believe it will be a positive step forward."
