Agenda item

1.      Mr Brian Collins (Deputy Leader), Mr Paul Chamberlain (Deputy Cabinet Member for Corporate and Traded Services) and Mrs Clare Maynard (Chief Procurement Officer) introduced the item and the key decision to adopt KCC’s Commercial Strategy for 2026-2028. The strategy set out a Council-wide framework for delivering best value through procurement and contract management. Mrs Maynard highlighted that a delegation to the Chief Procurement Officer to approve the supporting documents - Responsible Procurement Charter and Contract Management Policy – would be included within the proposed key decision.

2.      Further to questions and comments from Members the discussion included the following:

a)      The lack of public consultation that had taken place or was planned was raised as a concern, and it was queried how third party spend with Kent businesses could be increased (including the setting of targets and measures to simplify processes for local providers). Officers explained  that efforts were being made to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Kent suppliers through contract lotting, engagement events, and simplified processes, while maintaining best value. Mr Chamberlain confirmed plans to provide Members with a toolkit to engage SMEs locally.

b)      More detail in relation to the proposed social value policy was requested to ensure it delivered meaningful environmental, employment and skills benefits. Officers explained that social value was a statutory requirement under the new Procurement Act, and a dedicated policy with weightings and evaluation criteria would be brought to a future Cabinet Committee meeting.

c)      Officers explained that the strategy was high-level and supported by detailed implementation plans, timetables, and success measures. The approach aimed to move procurement beyond a transactional process to one that added value through early engagement, supply chain development, and alignment with local priorities.

d)      The three-year timeframe reflected a structured period for delivering measurable outcomes. It was agreed that setting a target for Kent-based spend would be considered, and officers confirmed that supporting local suppliers was a priority within the Council’s Strategic Statement.

e)      A Member requested that all political groups be represented on the Contract Management Review Group. The Chairman advised that concerns about proportionality and representation on the Contract Management Review Group should be raised in writing.   

f)       Mrs Maynard clarified that the term “smarter” referred both to adopting a more strategic approach to procurement and to setting SMART targets. She emphasised that the strategy was supported by performance indicators to ensure accountability.

g)      The positive impact of recent changes to the Procurement Act was highlighted and Members welcomed the increased focus on social value, SMEs, and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE), stressing the importance of performance indicators and transparency for residents.

h)      Asked about training plans, rollout across directorates, and monitoring, Mrs Maynard confirmed that user voices were already included in some evaluation processes and reiterated the importance of tracking data to demonstrate investment in Kent. Regarding training, Mrs Maynard outlined existing measures such as Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualifications for procurement staff, policy-based training on spending council funds, system training, and contract management training.

3.      The Chairman thanked officers for their work and highlighted the upcoming supplier engagement event on 27 January 2026. 

4.      RESOLVED that the Cabinet Committee endorses the proposed decision to:

(a)     Approve the adoption and implementation of the Kent County Council Commercial Strategy 2026-2028.

(b)     Delegate authority to the Chief Procurement Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to refresh and/or make non-substantial revisions to the strategy where changes do not require additional governance.

(c)     Delegate authority to the Chief Procurement Officer to take relevant actions, including but not limited to, entering into and finalising the terms of relevant contracts or other legal agreements, as necessary, to implement the above decision.

(d)     Delegate authority to the Chief Procurement Officer to approve the Responsible Procurement Charter and Contract Management Policy as supporting documents to the Commercial Strategy.