Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Deferred
Set out plans to simplify HMPPS contract management and reduce governor burden.
Recommendation
In response to this report, the Government should provide the Committee with a clear and comprehensive overview of how HMPPS is managing its current contracts, including steps being taken to simplify procurement processes and improve contract flexibility. It should also set out how it will reduce the burden of contract management on Governors and ensure that voluntary and specialist providers are not disadvantaged in the commissioning process. (Recommendation, Paragraph 66)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response details measures in the Sentencing Bill to address the prison remand population and improve bail use, completely bypassing the recommendation on HMPPS's contract management and procurement processes.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
38. HMPPS national contracts are managed by dedicated operational contract management teams who ensure that suppliers deliver against required standards and apply contractual levers where performance falls short. These teams oversee contracts for education and community rehabilitation services, as well as operational contracts for essential services such as food. MoJ Property provide operational and contract management of the central Facilities Management contracts. Only a small number of contracts are managed locally where local commissioning has taken place to meet a specific need. 39. Commercial Contract Management is undertaken by qualified, accredited professional teams that manage procurement activity in line with prevailing regulations under the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), which simplifies the MoJ’s procurement processes. It replaces four sets of procurement regulations, which were derived from EU directives, and provides for fewer and more flexible procurement procedures. These will allow the MoJ to better tailor its procurements to get the contracts that it needs within the timeframes that it needs. 40. To the same end, the MoJ is introducing a new ‘self-service’ procurement process for low value requirements, which will enable Governors and Probation Leaders to source routine goods and services more quickly and with less administrative burden. 41. Commercial and operational contract management teams work together to provide Governors with clear escalation routes, resolve disputes, ensure providers deliver against contractual obligations, and enable effective local delivery. 42. The Government is committed to fostering an inclusive procurement environment that recognises Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) as essential partners. We have introduced resources to strengthen engagement with organisations in these sectors, providing practical guidance to help them navigate procurement processes. PA23 regulations provide MoJ with greater flexibility to engage these organisations, and our SME and VCSE Action Plan (2025–2028), will set clear objectives to simplify procurement, improve access to opportunities, and maintain strong levels of direct spend with SMEs and VCSEs. 43. To make procurement more accessible, we have published a jargon-free guide6 aligned with the PA23 principles, promoting transparency and inclusivity. We also work closely with the voluntary sector through strategic partnerships and forums, including collaboration with organisations such as the Third Sector Strategic Partnership Board and Clinks, ensuring third sector voices help shape policy and deliver meaningful change. 6 Supplying the Ministry of Justice
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