1.1. These Contract Procedures form part of the Council's Constitution. Compliance is therefore mandatory. Contravention may lead to the Council invoking its Disciplinary Procedures and Rules.
1.2. These Contract Procedures do not apply to the initial exploration of procurement options, where it is necessary to operate creatively in considering Best Value solutions for the Council. They must, however, be followed in the subsequent letting of contracts for works, supplies or services, when identified solutions are developed into actual service delivery.
1.3. In all procurement matters, Officers and Elected Members must assess the risks associated with the various options available to them and ensure that these are managed in such a way as to achieve the best outcome for the Council and the Public. This is achieved through :-
- Identifying risks
- controlling risks
- transferring risks
- living with risks
Support and advice on Risk Management issues can be obtained from the Council's Risk Management Section.
1.4. These Contract Procedures have three main purposes :-
1.4.1. to ensure that the Council obtains Best Value in the way it spends money, so that in turn it may offer Best Value services to the public.
1.4.2. to comply with legislation that governs the spending of public money.
1.4.3. to protect individuals from undue criticism or allegation of wrongdoing.
1.5. Every Council contract must comply with these Contract Procedures, unless:-
1.5.1. The Cabinet, on the recommendation of the Director and the relevant Cabinet Member, authorise an exception.
1.5.2. In urgent cases, when the Council's Scheme of Delegation will apply. In such cases, the reasons for the decision will be reported by the Director and the relevant Cabinet Member to the next meeting of the Cabinet.
