Your work phone connects you to colleagues, keeps you informed on the move, and helps you get things done wherever you are in the world. But have you ever stopped to think about what happens when it is no longer needed? Every public sector phone has a lifecycle. How we manage that device lifecycle matters […]
Products and Services Archives:
Event: Housing 2026
Event: NHS ConfedExpo 2026
The benefits of working with SMEs for public sector buyers
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of any healthy economy; they help to create job opportunities and support economic growth and innovation. At Crown Commercial Service (CCS) we understand the importance of having a diverse range of suppliers working with the public sector. That’s why we take positive actions to make sure that […]
What does the new social value model mean for public sector procurement?
The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 requires public sector buyers to maximise economic, social and environmental benefits for local communities when buying goods and services. In February 2025, Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 002 provided an update to the social value model that applies to central government contract procurements. This reflected the new Procurement Act […]
5 traps to avoid in sustainable procurement
What is sustainability? ‘Sustainability’ is a term that can feel hard to pin down, not least when it comes to procurement. However, it can help to think of it in terms of being the means by which we achieve our goals, rather than trying to define it as an end in itself. By making it […]
Episode 5 – David Skinner, Director of the Customer Experience Directorate at Crown Commercial Service
Our experts discuss the topical themes and debates in public procurement right now. They also share their own experiences as leaders of the government commercial profession. David Skinner David Skinner joined Crown Commercial Service (CCS) in September 2014. In November he became Director of Customer Experience within CCS. His current role is to lead teams […]
Crown Commercial Service marks 10 years of helping the UK public sector achieve value from its procurement
Over the past 10 years we are proud to have gone from strength-to-strength, growing both our team and the commercial solutions we offer – and supporting more and more organisations across the public sector. Notable successes over the last 10 years include: Commercial benefits have increased from £606m in 2017/18 to £3.8 billion in 2023/24* […]
Crown Commercial Service publishes its updated SME action plan alongside a VCSE action plan
Alongside this, CCS has also published its voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) action plan, which outlines how CCS will improve the awareness of VCSEs both within CCS and amongst our customers, with the aim of increasing VCSE presence on our agreements and reducing barriers to participation. SME action plan The SME action plan […]
Crown Commercial Service provides over £700,000 of funding to help councils tackle climate change
A new Sustainability Sector Support Programme, funded by CCS, was launched on 1 October to assist councils in reaching their local carbon reduction and adaptation targets. Over the next 2 years, it will provide councils with the tools and opportunities they need to help build capability and capacity in sustainability and the environment. The programme […]