Updated: Updated links to directives published in the OJEU and dates for public sector training.
The 2014 EU Procurement Directives were approved by the European Parliament on Wednesday 15 January 2014, and by the EU Council on 11 February 2014. These directives will be published in the Official Journal of the EU on 28 March 2014 and come into force on 17 April 2014. EU member states will then have 2 years to implement them in national legislation.
The government is aiming to transpose (implement) these directives quickly so that the UK can benefit as soon as possible from the improved flexibilities they offer. Here we will keep you up to date on progress in Brussels, UK transposition of the directives and where to access free training.
Progress in Brussels (March 2014)
The European Parliament voted to approve the 2014 Directives on 15 January 2014. The directives were published in the Official Journal on 28 March 2014. The directives also affect concessions (partnerships between the public sector and mostly private companies that maintain infrastructure or provide important services) and utilities.
Implementing the directives
Where the directives allow member states a choice on whether or how to implement a particular provision, Cabinet Office have issued discussion papers and will consider responses. For more information please see Procurement Policy Note 05/13. We will launch a formal consultation on the draft implementing regulations in due course.
Training
Cabinet Office is organising a series of training sessions for public sector organisations. Dates for free face-to-face training are available on this page along with details of how to register. E-learning resources and handbooks will also be available here later in 2014.
Book a training session
Please complete the respective application form for your chosen date and send this to EURegistration@cabinet-office.gsi.gov.uk with the venue name and date in the subject line.
Public sector training
Voluntary sector training
2 training sessions are being organised specifically for contracting authorities in the voluntary sector. The first date is now available for registration:
- 16 July 2014 at Bircham Dyson Bell, 50 The Broadway, London, SW1H 0BL
Utilities
Training sessions for contracting entities under the Utilities Directive will take place on:
- 22 July 2014
- 25 July 2014
All sessions take place at Severn Trent Water Limited, Severn Trent Centre, 2 St Johns Street, Coventry, CV1 2LZ
Northern Ireland public sector
Training sessions have been organised for contracting authorities in Northern Ireland
- 11 June 2014
- 12 June 2014
All sessions take place at McAuley House, 2-14 Castle Street, Belfast, BT1 1SA.
Wales public sector
Value Wales will coordinate training sessions for Wales professionals and further information will be available shortly.
About the training
Please note that places on these sessions will be limited and we would generally expect only 1 delegate per organisation: that delegate can then use the materials to brief their colleagues. If you need more than 1 place please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. Because places are limited, if you fail to attend a booked course, we may not be able to offer an alternative date.
Delegates need to make own arrangements for lunch and refreshments as these are not provided: please check with the venue for available facilities.