RPAs reach the Summit at St. James' Park, Newcastle

Two of CPC's Regional Procurement Advisors (RPAs), Tracey Hindmarsh and Louise Ashcroft, formed our very own Toon squad this October, as they attended the Schools North East Summit at Newcastle's St. James' Park.

With the one-day event promoting its aim of "educating Westminster" and "influencing the direction of change", delegates were able to chat procurement challenges with our visiting RPA representatives at event stand #21, as well as hearing speeches from the likes of Schools North East Chair, Colin Lofthouse and Director, Chris Zarraga.

Held on Thursday 17th October, #SNESummit24 saw some 500 educators on hand from around the wider region.

Among the day's other notable attractions were what has been called the first major speech from the Department for Education's new Minister of State for School Standards, Catherine McKinnell MP, who took up her post in July.

The Minister was on familiar ground, having served as the Newcastle North MP since the 2010 General Election.

Recapping the event this month, the Schools North East team described our schools as "vital national strategic architecture" and we at CPC echo their sentiments, while congratulating those involved in staging the Summit.

Regional Procurement Advisor for the North East & North Yorkshire, Tracey Hindmarsh, commented: "The SNE Summit was jam-packed with discussions, giving a fantastic opportunity to network and promote CPC services".

CPC's RPA service is one of multiple, free-of-charge benefits available to our 10,000+ member institutions, offering opportunities for both online and in-person procurement guidance, provided by the dedicated RPA in your region.

Among the advice available, RPAs can support you with matters of regulatory compliance, as well as addressing supplier issues and training, plus detailing good practice and how to use CPC's frameworks and further services.

Our various RPAs can additionally provide presentations on-site to any staff holding procurement responsibilities.

Click here to find your Regional Procurement Advisor and other ways in which they may help your institution.