The creation of the Scotland Excel framework has led to the bulk procurement of educational supplies, which has, in many cases, delivered best value for local authorities in terms of price and quality.

However the current system favours larger suppliers, can be inflexible and discourages local authorities from purchasing specialist products from a non-Scotland Excel provider.

That is why over the last year BESA has worked with councils, Scotland Excel and other stakeholders to understand how schools can make discretionary purchase from suppliers for items not on the Framework.

At this seminar, Callum Chomczuk, BESA’s advisor in Scotland will update BESA members on policy context with regards to discretionary purchases, the progress made and provide direction on how members can apply to get on to the next framework, due next year.

Followed by a sandwich lunch.