20 May 2005
Quantifying savings in a meaningful way is going to be one of the toughest challenges of the government's efficiency drive, the man charged with securing more than £1bn in procurement gains has told Public Finance.
Ian Taylor began work as director of the Centre for Procurement Performance – a new specialist unit of the Department for Education and Skills set up to whip school and college procurement into shape – on May 16.
Improved procurement will have to deliver £1.5bn in savings – more than a third of the £4.3bn of annual efficiency gains required of the DfES.
'I think the most difficult part of the job is going to be measuring savings in a way the Treasury is going to be convinced by, especially as those savings are going to be recycled back into frontline services,' Taylor said.
In an interview with PF, he acknowledged there was a 'tremendous amount' to do to improve procurement in schools. 'There are some really good examples of great results but it's a varied picture. The scope for harnessing the power of the sector is huge.
'My impressions after 24 hours in the job is there isn't one big solution. We need to ensure we work through existing bodies,' he added.
Taylor joined the CPP from HBOS, where he was head of procurement. He admitted that his new job would prove 'quite a contrast' from his previous work in the financial services industry.
But Taylor has also had a taste of the challenges of the front line. He is chair of governors at a local primary school and is also a governor at a nearby secondary school – roles he will continue to fulfil as head of the CPP.
'From my experience serving as a governor in schools for the last 12 years, I know what a difference better procurement deals could make,' he said.
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly said: 'I am very pleased to welcome Ian Taylor to this important position which aims to ensure a much greater proportion of funding reaches frontline services.'
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