NEWS
CONTRACTORS AND BUYERS URGED TO ACT NOW TO MEET NEW DEADLINE
The Cabinet Office has issued Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 03/24, replacing PPN 03/23 and introducing updates to the Selection Questionnaire (SQ) and accompanying statutory guidance for use in public procurement. This development signals a pivotal shift in procurement practices, mandating the adoption of the Common Assessment Standard (CHAS Elite) by contracting authorities in the public sector.
As of its release, all contracting authorities can assess their supply chains using the Common Assessment Standard (CHAS Elite), with usage mandatory from 27 June 2024.
The update means that contractors not already accredited to the Common Assessment Standard (CHAS Elite) seeking to engage with the public sector have less than three months to complete their assessments.
Why the Common Assessment Standard matters
The Common Assessment Standard (CHAS Elite), launched in 2019, offers a comprehensive industry-led questionnaire covering crucial topics such as Anti- Bribery and Corruption, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Data Protection, Equality & Diversity, Financial Information, Modern Slavery, and Quality Corporate Social Responsibility, among others. Positioned as the elite pre-qualification standard for construction procurement, it is increasingly being specified by organisations in the private sector for their supply chains.
This prioritisation of the Common Assessment Standard within PPN 03/24 aligns with government initiatives to elevate compliance standards in public supply chains and derive greater social value from public expenditure.
Urgent action required
Contractors currently engaged or intending to engage with the public sector must promptly seek accreditation to the Common Assessment Standard to ensure they remain competitive and avoid missing out on opportunities. With less than three months until the new rules take effect, swift action is essential.
Meanwhile, by 27 June 2024 contracting authorities must ensure all contractors are accredited to the Common Assessment Standard (CHAS Elite).
Why Choose Veriforce CHAS?
Veriforce CHAS, the pioneer in carrying out Common Assessment Standard accreditation in the UK, stands out as the preferred accreditation provider. Renowned for its customer service and impressive member benefits, Veriforce CHAS is adept at ensuring a seamless accreditation process for contractors looking to get accredited to the Common Assessment Standard. What’s more, contracting authorities and private sector clients can quickly find contractors accredited to the Common Assessment Standard via the free CHAS Client Portal.
8
“The whole team at Veriforce CHAS is mobilised and ready to assist contractors to upgrade to CHAS Elite and the Common Assessment Standard as quickly as possible”, said Ian McKinnon, Managing Director of Veriforce CHAS and an industry veteran. “We know how important this is to the construction industry and to the UK Government, and as the pioneer who first got behind CAS, we are best placed to help the sector raise its game rapidly to meet this challenge.”
What's New in PPN 03/24? Notable changes from PPN 03/23 to 03/24 include:
● Adoption of Common Assessment Standard (CAS): CAS replaces PAS 91, serving as the new streamlined and enhanced framework for pre-qualifying suppliers. All references to PAS 91 have been removed following its withdrawal by BSI.
● Revision of Selection Questions: Updates have been made to the standard selection questions, particularly focusing on payment practices and steel sourcing to align with current industry standards.
● Clarity on considering bids from Russian/Belarusian Suppliers: New guidelines offer clarity on evaluating bids.
● Adaptation for E-Procurement: The Selection Questionnaire (SQ) template has been adjusted to better integrate with new e-procurement platforms.
Contracting authorities and private sector entities seeking responsible contractors can utilise the CHAS Client Portal, a free resource facilitating the quick and easy identification of accredited contractors based on specific criteria.
CHAS Managing Director Ian McKinnon added: “The changes introduced in updated Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 03/24 are good news for the huge number of CHAS Contractors already qualified to the Common Assessment Standard (CHAS Elite) who will now have access to an even wider range of work.
“However, if you're a contractor not yet accredited to the Common Assessment Standard, there’s no time to lose. This isn't just about meeting new public sector requirements but also ensuring compliance with private sector standards, which are increasingly aligned with the Common Assessment Standard.”
www.chas.co.uk www.tomorrowshs.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42
