Conference Agenda
Registration - 8:30 - 9:00
Welcome/Introduction - 9:00 - 9:15
Session 1 – Maximising the Benefits of the Procurement Act 2023 - 9:15 - 10:45
Coffee break - 10:45 - 11:00
Session 2 – Maximising the Benefits of the Procurement Act 2023 - 11:00 - 12:30
Lunch - 12:30 - 13:15
Session 2 – Making Sense of a Changing Public Sector Landscape - 13:15 - 14:15
Session 3 - Critical Factors Determining Future Government Spending Plans - 14:15 - 15:15
Coffee break - 15:15 - 15:30
Session 4 - The rise of AI and data driven decisions in public sector - 15:30 - 16:30
Summary and Close - 16:30 - 16:45
Confirmed Speakers
Gemma Waring
Procurement Consultant
Gemma Waring is a qualified bid writer, trainer, and coach. Gemma has worked in the sector for 20 years and her career has been marked by exceptional achievements due to her determination to succeed and her passion for empowering others. Gemma has a long-standing relationship with PASS as one of its leading consultants and works with many of its highest profile clients. Gemma’s enthusiasm for the procurement sector is infectious, propelling her to stay abreast of industry developments and generously share her knowledge, including being a key player in the roll out of the Procurement Act 2023. Gemma's dedication recently earned her the prestigious title of Runner Up in the APMP UK's Annual Awards in the Supplier of the Year category and seen her continuously develop her own skills as an advocate of life-long learning. Gemma orchestrates success in public sector tendering and procurement projects – securing new business and successful outcomes across the board. Notable accomplishments include bid writing endeavours for blue-chip companies, securing multimillion pound contracts, working with Scottish Government on a national training campaign, and securing successful outcomes in complex multi supplier / multi lot frameworks and DPSs. In her role as Lead Trainer and Skills Coach for the Bid Coordinator Apprenticeship, Gemma also runs multiple cohorts, shaping training content, and assessing learners for long term development and supporting new entrants to the sector to grow and flourish.
Paul Wright
Procurement Consultant
Paul has worked with BIP Solutions since 2009, and has been a consultant trainer specialising in Procurement since 1998. Previously he had a number of roles at chemical company ICI, latterly in procurement of global engineering contracts. He is the co-author with Stuart Emmett of Excellence in Public Sector Procurement, and frequently lectures in the Middle and far East as well as working in the UK. He has worked with everyone from one man bands to Blue chip multinationals, and extensively with UK public sector organisations.