Where can I read about the compliance aspects of a typical project/tender?

To learn about the compliance aspects of a typical school tender, you can explore several resources that provide detailed information and guidance on public sector and specifically educational procurement:

1. Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Website:
   • The CCS offers guidance for public sector procurement, including specific advice for schools. They provide resources on how to manage procurement processes in compliance with current regulations, including templates and best practice guides. Crown Commercial Service
2. Local Government Association (LGA) Resources:
   • The LGA provides various documents and guidelines on procurement best practices that are relevant to local authorities and schools. Their resources often include compliance checklists and policy templates that can be tailored to the needs of schools. Local Government Association
3. Department for Education (DfE) – UK:
   • The DfE has specific sections on their website dedicated to procurement for schools, including how to comply with legal requirements, how to achieve value for money, and how to engage in effective contract management. Department for Education
4. Professional Training Courses:
   • Various professional bodies offer courses and seminars on public procurement, which can be very helpful for School Business Leaders and staff involved in procurement to understand the legal and practical aspects of tendering.
   • As a company Minerva undertake training with a company called Achilles. With a wide range of areas covered, from negotiation to contract management, Criteria and Tender Evaluation, Selection and Award their trainers are exceptional in terms of their knowledge and their costs make them great value for money too.  Achilles.
5. Legal Firms:
   • As you’d expect there are several legal firms throughout the UK who have a specialism in public sector procurement.  Here you can access advice and guidance backed by qualified lawyers and instruct if get into any difficulties.
   • One of the most comprehensive resources comes via the Mills and Reeve Procurement Portal.  A one-stop-shop for all things regulated procurement the site has recently been updated to fully reflect The Procurement Act 2023.  With a Standstill Calculator, Notices Generator and links to their extremely popular 5 in 25 Webinar series this is definitely a site to have in your ‘favourites’! Mills and Reeve Procurement Portal.