We are an independent public body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently, and effectively in the areas of local government, housing, health, criminal justice and fire and rescue services.
Our mission is to be a driving force in the improvement of public services. We promote good practice and help those responsible for public services to achieve better outcomes for citizens, with a focus on those people who need public services most.
The Audit Commission is subject to the legal and regulatory framework for public sector procurement. The procurement function within the Audit Commission's finance department is custodian of this policy through the Head of Procurement and Financial Services. The Audit Commission is accountable for achieving best value for money and is open to legal challenge under the EC public procurement directives and related UK regulations.
The Audit Commission has achieved the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply's (external link) Silver accreditation for Organisational Certification Excellence in Procurement Policies and Procedures.
Diversity policy statement
The Audit Commission will proactively encourage diverse suppliers to participate in our procurement exercises for Goods, Works and Services. We will provide a level playing field of opportunities for all organisations including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) businesses and other diverse suppliers.
In accordance with EU and UK legislation and best practice our procurement process will be transparent, objective and non-discriminatory in the selection of its suppliers and we will actively promote diverse suppliers throughout our supply chains.
Sustainable procurement
The Audit Commission is committed to improving its environmental performance and reducing the environmental impact of its work. As a regulator we want to be an exemplar of best practice and to reduce substantially our carbon emissions in line with government targets.
We will promote sustainable principles with our contractors by encouraging and requiring, where appropriate, improvements in their practices including the wider adoption of sustainability by suppliers where they are acting on behalf of and supporting our business.