The Procurement & Commercial Improvement Programme (PCIP) has now been running since 2015.
The PCIP assessment provides a means of measuring and reporting on the procurement and commercial capability of organisations through the provision of evidence, based around a series of set questions and other evaluation methods.
Cycle 3 of the assessments is due to commence in 2022, with the offer of a new approach to further support the sector. This PCIP focuses on the policies and procedures driving procurement performance and, more importantly, the results they deliver.The PCIP assessment process still includes Full, Medium and Lite Assessments and what process to apply from these will be dependent on several factors, as assessed by the appropriate Centre of Expertise (CoE). Further to this, the CoE will determine if an abbreviated assessment option is available based on the relevant criterion.
For cycle 3, an assessment model has been developed which offers a reduced question set and streamlined process for organisations, supporting resource whilst still assessing and supporting current procurement priorities. This hybrid model allows for greater flexibility and consists of a blended question set that can be tailored by the assessing CoE to the organisation and the sectoral context.
The model consists of:
|
Question Type |
Number of Questions |
Further Information |
|
Mandatory questions |
11 Questions |
These questions will be answered nationally across all sectors and organisations. |
|
COE Discretion |
9 Questions |
This will be at CoE discretion and will be decided upon/communicated prior to your assessments beginning. |
|
Not Required |
4 Questions |
These questions will no longer be asked but will remain in the assessment document to allow any full assessments to take place where required/desired. |
As before, the provision of specific requested evidence is required at least six weeks before the PCIP assessment day, as well as on the assessment day itself. Depending on the current government advice regarding any pandemic restrictions, assessments should be carried out remotely where possible.
Centres of Expertise can provide specific information to participating organisations and your contact here should be the first point of call.
Quickfire Guide
Key Points to Note
The full contents of PCIP including all guidance, Data Requirements, Advance Information Requirements, Full, Medium & Lite assessments alongside the Information Bank can be found in the following pages.