Government issues policy note on supporting apprenticeships via public procurement

The Government has issued a policy note on supporting apprenticeships and skills through public procurement.

Produced by the Cabinet Office and the Crown Commercial Service, the PPN highlights the Government’s commitment to increase the number of apprenticeships in England to three million starts over the next five years.

It states that public procurement of contracts with a full life value of £10m and above and duration of 12 months and above should be used to support skills development and delivery of the apprenticeship commitment.

The PPN adds: “Whilst procurement decisions should always be made on a quality/cost/risk basis, this can include taking into account broader qualitative long-term benefits on the supply side (in this case, appropriate investment in skills outcomes, developed in particular through formal apprenticeship schemes) as long as they are consistent with the Government’s overarching priority of value for money.

“This policy is aimed at supporting growth by building a more skilled and productive workforce, reducing the risks of supply constraints and increased labour cost inflation.”

The note, which can be viewed here, sets out:

• Key actions that in-scope organisations should take;
• The link to contract and evaluation weightings;
• Further guidance and best practice; and
• Background.

The Cabinet Office and the Crown Commercial Service said the note applied to all central government departments including their executive agencies and non departmental public bodies (in-scope organisations). However, they said that all other contracting authorities were strongly encouraged to adopt the Government’s new approach.

The PPN replaces a previous policy note, Supporting Sustainable Skills Development through Major Construction and Infrastructure Projects.