MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP


More for less A


s public spending is facing an intensity of scrutiny not seen for a


generation, the Comprehensive Spending Review has reduced budgets and reduced budgets need to be maximised by every public sector organisation.


Efficiency of existing processes and systems is vital together with implementation of modern and new ways of delivering services.


And this is why public (and private) sector organisations are looking longer and harder not just at the cost of such things as legacy IT platforms underpinning their payments processes but also the quality of management information they have access to.


Organisations are seeking to answer fundamental questions such as who is spending money, where are they spending it, why are they spending it, when are they spending it and are they getting the best possible deal from a procurement perspective.


A key part of managing the challenge is showing that public spending is transparent, trackable and controlled. Now, the public and the media want to know that adequate checks and balances are in place to ensure public money is not being wasted - making reliable systems for managing and tracking payments all the more vital.


Public sector organisations are taking advantage of the commercial payment products and services offered by MasterCard’s issuing partners.


The Government Procurement Nov/Dec 10


Card addresses many of the issues facing public sector organisations, including cashable and efficiency savings, transparency of spend, tight controls, the prompt payment initiative and replacement of cheques.


As departments, agencies and other public bodies face unprecedented budget cuts, maximising value from each purchase is vital, as is minimising the cost of the purchasing process imperative.


Purchasing (or procurement) cards were originally developed to modernise and improve the efficiency of an organisation’s low-value procurement process. However, they should now be seen as a part of a solution that goes beyond low value orders.


In addition to fulfilling purchasing and payment requirements, cards bring optimal benefits when used as part of an overall procurement and payments strategy.


MasterCard’s commitment to driving efficiency in the UK public sector is demonstrated by the range of efficient electronic payment solutions that are available under the new four


year payment card solutions & associated services framework agreement– established by Buying Solutions, part of the Efficiency and Reform Group within the Cabinet Office – for procuring payment cards for use by public sector organisations.


These include:


MasterCard Smart Data – a service that provides users with 24/7 on-line access to all transactions for complete security.


MasterCard inControl™ – an innovative platform that enables advanced authorisation controls and intelligent transaction routing, as well as a robust alert functionality designed to enhance security.


VAT recovery – this HM Revenue and Customs certified system allows organisations to estimate how much VAT has been paid and estimate how much might be recovered.


The migration towards e- payment solutions is already underway. Housing associations, NHS trusts, universities, county councils and larger national Government agencies are already sweeping away legacy paper-based systems and


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The CSR has reduced spending – delivering as much as possible with reduced budgets is the priority for public sector organisations


replacing them with card based platforms.


“It’s clear that in the current economic climate, public bodies are recognising their responsibility to be at the forefront of innovation to ensure they deliver genuine value for money to the British people,” says MasterCard’s Steve Shirley.


“That’s why, in a few short months, MasterCard has become a leading financial partner for public sector bodies and organisations.


“Our sophisticated purchasing control services drive up efficiency and transparency for public bodies of all sizes. Over the coming four years, we are confident that many more organisations will recognise the benefits of MasterCard’s innovative cost control services.”


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