SMART PROCUREMENT STRATEGIES
Why the Procurement Act presents a clean start for education estates
For many schools, the start of a new academic year is when the estates teams review contracts, set budgets and plan investment for the months ahead. This year’s procurement cycle carries added significance because the Procurement Act is now firmly established in practice.
For procurements within its scope, the legislation places explicit emphasis on value for money and maximising public benefit. That creates an opportunity for schools to define the results they need from a contract and to encourage procurement decisions that reflect the needs of a school beyond the point of purchase.
F
or procurements within the scope of the Procurement Act, schools have a timely reason to reconsider how they define value. Jo Gilliard, CEO of Jangro, explains how estates teams can evaluate the lasting value of a cleaning contract.
This has implications across every area of estate management, but its impact is especially clear in cleaning, as it has such a visible influence on the school environment. The products, equipment and support specified through procurement all affect the spaces where pupils learn and staff work. A well- written specification can therefore support the school’s wider objectives while securing stronger long-term value.
What schools should evaluate Price will always influence procurement decisions, particularly when schools are working within tight financial constraints.
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The greater challenge is understanding what a contract will deliver once it is in place. Cleaning contracts remain in operation for years, making their long-term performance just as important as the initial cost.
The process should begin with the required standard. Defining the result clearly gives suppliers a better understanding of the school’s expectations and allows procurement teams to evaluate each proposal against the same practical outcome.
Over the lifetime of a cleaning contract, consistent performance has a direct influence on both operational efficiency and long-term value. Products that achieve the required result every time help schools maintain standards while making better use of resources. For example, a concentrated formulation may carry a higher unit price while producing a lower cost per usable litre. Correct dosing then helps the school control consumption during daily delivery. Asking suppliers to demonstrate these calculations gives estates teams a more reliable basis for comparison.
The same long-term perspective should also be applied when evaluating equipment and supplier support. Durable equipment can continue performing reliably under regular use, reducing disruption and extending the value of a school’s investment. Ongoing technical
September 2026
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