Published
By Ashley Cox
At the start of the year, we disclosed how CPC would be funding several procurement professionals in studying for the CIPS Syndicated Qualifications Programme L4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply. Now, with the programme having kicked off in March, we are pleased to share these comments from members of staff representing the successful applicant institutions.
Nelson and Colne College have been members of Crescent Purchasing Consortium for more than 20 years and the Lancashire-based FE and Sixth Form college were among those granted bursary support in excess of £3,500. Their Head of Finance, Judith Dand, explained the thought process behind the nomination of Tom Robertshaw, stressing how her organisation would "really benefit from a fresh pair of eyes, looking at procurement in a way to drive efficiencies".
"Tom has a great background from the private sector, and we are keen to encourage him to build on his skillset to enhance the processes within the institution", Judith continued. "The syllabus for CIPS Level 4 identifies some key areas, such as ethical and sensible sourcing, as well as building on supplier relations, which is an area we want to develop”.
The Pinnacle Learning Trust is a trust that encompasses both Oldham Sixth Form College and the town's Hathershaw College, a co-educational secondary academy, while the nearby Werneth Primary School, Broadfield Primary School and Alexandra Park Junior School also fall within its remit. The Trust's Head of Finance, Ashley McIlroy, noted, “We have a high number of children from underprivileged areas and are dedicated to providing them with the best support, throughout their education".
“Through the CIPS training, (nominee) Retno Fawley will be well prepared to improve the current supplier relationships and ensure our Trust adheres to any future changes to the procurement law. This provides confidence to our management the funds are being utilised in the best way and allows them to seek a supportive environment for our young people to thrive”.
Meanwhile, we were also pleased to also reward an application from Sparsholt College, an FE college and university centre based in Winchester, Hampshire. Sparsholt's Head of Finance and Procurement, Sarah Evans, revealed she was “delighted to support Carron Harman’s application to take this next step in furthering her procurement career”.
“Carron is the sole member of our procurement team, supported by management, but responsible for all tenders, procurement advice, keeping us up-to-date with current legislation & practices and striving to make efficiencies and process improvements.
"She has a thirst to learn, has attended multiple courses, webinars and Procurement Act training, and is continually looking out for tips, hints and guidance. As a college, and specifically in the finance department, we are keen to support continued learning for all our staff and to extend this to Carron with the CIPS Level 4 programme".
Despite publicising a trio of funding opportunities, CPC's commitment to this bursary programme was eventually extended in order to support a fourth, with Winstanley College completing our set of grateful beneficiaries. Found within the rugby league heartlands of Wigan, Lancashire, Winstanley's catchment area sprawls across a host of surrounding towns and this established sixth form institution is fast approaching two full decades of CPC membership, having originally joined us in December 2005.
In support of their application for Hannah Roberts, Winstanley College’s Director of Finance and Resources, Karen Newton, noted, “The knowledge and insight Hannah would gain from completing the CIPS Level 4 qualification will be crucial to the success of her role within the college”, words further affirming the difference CPC will be making, by way of this endeavour.
As previously revealed, those in receipt of a CIPS Level 4 bursary are also eligible for free personal mentoring from dedicated Learning and Development Lead, Mark Pearson, who commented on this latest strand of our CPC Giving Back initiative here.
On behalf of all at Crescent Purchasing Consortium, we extend our congratulations to those embarking on the CIPS L4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply - and we hope that our financial backing proves to be an invaluable career resource.