Public sector bodies are under constant pressure to ensure that they are making efficient use of public funds, as well as ensuring business processes are managed in line with industry best practice. The Government’s Commercial Continuous Improvement Assessment Framework is one of the key tools for helping to drive continuous improvement in this regard.
The framework is designed to ensure that every public sector organisation is exercising sound commercial judgement in the planning and management of procuring goods, works and services, while delivering value for money through contracts and relationships with suppliers, and, ultimately, maintaining a high standard of public service. Central government organisations need to bear these guidelines in mind as they develop their approaches to continuous improvement.
Here, we will examine the details of the Commercial Continuous Improvement Assessment Framework, and highlight the key responsibilities that central government bodies and other public sector organisations must uphold.
The purpose of the Commercial Continuous Improvement Assessment Framework (CCIAF) is to promote continuous improvement in commercial practices within the public sector by helping organisations to benchmark their commercial operations against accepted standards of good practice.
This government guidance document is part of the broader Government Functional Standard for Commercial, a set of rules designed to ensure that public funds are being spent in an efficient and commercially sensible way, delivering a strong return on investment. It was specifically designed to apply to NHS England & Improvement and Local Government requirements, but is voluntary for local government, police, fire and rescue organisations.
By adhering to the government commercial operating standards set out within the framework, public sector bodies are able to gain better visibility over their commercial delivery and capability improvement efforts, measuring performance and efficiency gains over time.
Under the Commercial Continuous Improvement Assessment Framework, public sector bodies must assess their operations through the following criteria:
By working to align with the Government Functional Standard and the additional general commercial guidance laid out in the framework, public sector bodies will be able to ensure they are meeting all their commercial responsibilities, providing maximum value for money and, ultimately, delivering the best possible services for the public.
The complete Commercial Continuous Improvement Assessment Framework can be viewed and downloaded from the HM Government website here.
For public sector organisations that are seeking support in implementing the Commercial Continuous Improvement Assessment Framework, or are implementing a broader strategy for raising standards through continuous improvement, Linea can help. We work with government organisations and the wider public sector helping them transform processes, reduce waste and deliver optimal value with public funds.
Learn more about our continuous improvement services for government clients, call us on +44 (0) 124 442 1095, or complete our contact form to request a call back at your convenience.
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