Procurement at the Planning Inspectorate
We provide potential suppliers with information on our procurement activity, processes and contacts. These documents help suppliers understand the process.
The Planning Inspectorate’s procurement team is responsible for all procurement for the organisation. Working in partnership with internal stakeholders and our supply chains, we ensure that we have the goods and services needed to deliver our strategic priorities and business plan.
What we buy
The Inspectorate spends around £25m each year across a range of products and services.
Approximately 64% of our spend is channelled through Government Commercial Agency frameworks and 14% through public bodies for services provided by them. 57% of our spend is paid to micro, small and medium enterprises.
For every £10 of our spend: £5 is spent on digital goods and services, £1 on contingent labour, 89p on travel, 84p on legal advice and 68p on Planning Appeal Decision Suppliers.
How we buy
We ensure equal and fair treatment of suppliers, allowing participation in a competitive procurement process.
Our preference, after relevant due diligence, is to make full use of the Government Commercial Agency (or other) framework agreements. More information about the Government Commercial Agency, its frameworks and how to become a supplier can be found on the Government Commercial Agency website.
When an existing framework does not meet our needs, we procure contracts in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.
Government’s National Procurement Policy Statement sets out the strategic priorities for public procurement, and how we can support their delivery.
Contract and supplier relationship management
Once a contract has been awarded, a Contract Manager in the relevant business area is responsible for ensuring effective delivery of the contract via effective relationships with suppliers, achieving value for money over the duration of the contract. Our Contract Management Framework ensures a proportionate, consistent and effective approach to contract management.
Planning Appeal Decision Suppliers
We contract with 3rd party suppliers who make planning decisions. We refer to them as Planning Appeal Decisions Suppliers or PADS for short.
Work is offered on a case-by-case basis through a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). Being a PADS is a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of our organisation, with the flexibility to choose when you work for us, often alongside other work commitments. We are always keen to hear from anyone who wishes to join the DPS to become a PADS.
More information about how to become a PADS to provide these services is on our flexible resource page.
Social values
The Planning Inspectorate is committed to delivering social value through its commercial activities and supply chains, based around the following themes from the Government’s ‘Plan for Change’:
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kick starting economic growth
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making Britain a clean energy superpower
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taking back our streets
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breaking down barriers to opportunity
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building an NHS fit for the future
See the procurement policy note for more information on taking account of social value in the award of central government contracts.
Transparency in procurement
We publish the following information:
| Information | Where Published | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Contracts awarded following a procurement via a PCR 2015 framework, valued at £12,000 or over | Contracts Finder | Ongoing |
| All notices required under the Procurement Act 2023, including contract opportunities, contracts awarded, contract changes and more | Find a Tender Service | Ongoing |
| Spend transactions over £250 (including for Government Procurement Card spend) | Gov.uk | Monthly |
Contact us
See our page on GOV.UK for information on Freedom of Information requests, media queries and customer services.