Scottish Water has become the first company in Scotland - and the first water company in the world - to achieve recognition for its ‘world-class’ procurement standards.
The Platinum accreditation status from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply is being seen as allowing Scottish Water to ensure it brings maximum value to customers and continues to pioneer leading edge procurement practice within Scotland.
As the fourth largest water and wastewater service provider in the UK, with a £1.1 billion turnover, Scottish Water is one of the most important contract commissioners in Scotland.
The utility is currently engaged in one of the largest investment programmes in the UK water industry, amounting to around £2.5 billion, which is supporting more than 5000 construction jobs which represents between 30-35% of the construction industry sector.
Joe Rowan, General Manager of Scottish Water’s Procurement and Supply Chain, said:
"We are only the seventh organisation to achieve this new standard; the first in Scotland, the first public sector organisation and the first water company in the world.”
“To achieve the Platinum status, our leadership, policies, processes and performance measurement and management were assessed in-depth against world-class standards.
“The assessment and feedback on areas of improvement will allow Scottish Water to continue to advance its Procurement and Supply Chain management abilities to ensure maximum value is added to our customers and to continue to pioneer leading edge procurement practice in Scotland.”
As a public utility, Scottish Water's procurement and supply chain activities are regulated largely through legislation and the need to comply with EU procurement legislation via the Utilities Directive.
The Procurement and Supply Chain team have a hugely influential role within Scottish Water, driving value to the company, and ultimately domestic and business customers, by driving cost savings, promoting innovation, building positive relationships and providing market expertise and analysis.