ESFA reminds MATs of their duty to spend tax payer’s money wisely

Following the Panorama investigation into the Bright Tribe Academy Trust and other alleged misuse of funds within multi academy trusts, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) issued a letter to MAT chief executives. The letter emphasised that their role as accounting officer is to ensure that budgets are used as Parliament intended, about being confident that high standards of conduct and behaviour are maintained, and about making sure that value for money is achieved.

The letter went on to state that oversight means being prepared to challenge when they see activity or behaviour that appears inappropriate, particularly where the use of public money is concerned. The letter also highlighted the importance of undertaking a competitive purchasing procedure, having a clear record outlining reasons for selecting a particular supplier and ensuring that there was no conflict of interest in the award of contract. More generally, the letter recommended considering the national deals for schools that aim to make buying simpler and can provide better value for money.

The Department for Education (DfE) are currently recommending 13 CPC deals with more expected to be added soon! Should you want to help your MAT strengthen its procurement processes and prove to your Chief Executive and Trustees that public funds are being spent wisely - look no further than the CPC deals!

Should you have any questions please contact Regional Procurement Advisor Jo Frost via email [email protected] or on 07990 763928.