WIREDGOV

The National School of Government has been named a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for its provision of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) procurement qualification programmes - for the 11^th consecutive year. The award of three stars by CIPS – the highest possible ranking - confirms its position in the top twenty procurement training providers in the .

CIPS, the largest worldwide professional body for those working in purchasing and supply, procurement or supply chain management, visits its registered UK training providers on an annual basis to ensure that they conform to quality standards. Inspection criteria cover examination results, teaching quality and the availability of learning resources. In their report, CIPS education network managers noted that: “results for all exams are excellent which is a reflection on the standard of provision and level of tutoring on the National School programmes.”

The National School offers a wide range of CIPS qualifications from introductory to senior manager and specialist levels, with its Graduate and Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Supply programmes offering optional units specifically orientated towards the public sector. Programme Director Richard Anstis commented: “The new Public Sector optional units give the specialist input and underpinning knowledge needed to reinforce understanding of current public procurement policy and issues such as sustainability, public accountability and good governance.”

Training programmes can be adapted to client need, and the National School works with government and public sector organisations to assess and develop their procurement capability.

For further information, please visit www.nationalschool.gov.uk/procurement

or contact Richard Anstis (01344 634277) or Liz Jackman (01344 634585).

Notes to editors

1. The National School of Government is the centre of excellence for innovation in learning and development in support of public service transformation and became a separate government department in 2007. It strives to ensure the highest professional and academic standards in organisational and people development. Visit www.nationalschool.gov.uk for more information.

For media enquiries, please contact Rob Reynolds, National School of Government; email: rob.reynolds@nationalschool.gsi.gov.uk; tel 01344 634145; m 07881 518719, or Chris Blunkell, Media Associate; email: chris.blunkell@btinternet.com; tel: 01227 772747; m 07941 831341.