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Talent News

Keep up to date with industry news, general articles and latest research!












The importance of an Apprenticeship in Procurement and Supply Chain.

Wednesday 13th December 2017
Mandy Chippindale

We must reinforce to businesses the importance of apprenticeships, never mind apprenticeships in Procurement and Supply Chain, apprenticeships full stop. With today's University Fees skyrocketing, as demonstrated in the Guardian below "It's calculated the average student would leave university with a debt of more than £50,000 - rising to an average of £57,000 for the poorest, who borrow more for their living costs." (https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/jul/11/student-debt-graduates-tuition-fees) In conjunction to this the government has introduced the apprenticeship levy, a compulsory tax on employers to help fund the development and delivery of apprenticeships, with the aim of improving the quality and quantity of those available. Employers fall into one of two groups: levy payers and non-levy payers. Employers with a paybill of more than £3 million…

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Improve the capabilites of your Procurement team.

Wednesday 6th December 2017
Mandy Chippindale

In today's transformational Procurement world, it isn't enough to be just a 'YES' person anymore. This will no longer impress stakeholders and if it does, you need to ask yourself; are you working for the right organisation? Are you questioning the status quo, considering risk mitigation/collaborative problem solving and looking beyond the confines of the tender process ' this is all part of the innovation movement within procurement. Certain rules must be adhered to and delegated authority must be respected but empowering your people is paramount in securing and cascading capability in procurement. Invest in your people, invest in your business - here are three ways to improve the capabilities of your Procurement team and a word of warning, it…

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Productivity in Procurement

Wednesday 29th November 2017
Mandy Chippindale

"Until we manage time, we manage nothing else" ~ Peter Drucker As we move into the technological era of procurement, the most innovative amongst us are looking for new ways to maximise productivity. Carrying out activities because it's "what we've always done" and "standard process" just won't cut it with our savvy time saving and efficient procurement contemporaries and demanding stakeholders. Below are just a few of the quick-wins for businesses looking to improve their productivity in procurement: Improve communication: It sounds a simple one but nine out of ten times when beginning skills training within organisations, I observe that the basics are not in place to ensure the communication routes are clear, concise and consistent. If all members of the team are…

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Do you manage contracts – Get the commercial edge – book onto this IACCM course now!

Friday 22nd September 2017

"Poor contract management costs companies 9% loss- bottom line." Tim Cummins There are many weaknesses identified within contract and commercial management in today's world of Procurement. These are: • Third party power imbalance • Lack of soft skills • Lack of cooperation due to supplier relationship breakdown • Influence of corporate governance. • Weakness in change management • Price disputes "10 years ago the formation of IACCM was a leap of faith. Sally Hughes 21.09.17 " Join Mandy Chippindale FCIPS Chartered on our 2 day course on the 4th/5th October 9:30am-4:30 am @ Nottingham Conference Centre. The 2 day course will cover: • Negotiation techniques and styles. • Contract implementation and management. • Ensuring contracts are implemented to be mutually satisfying. • Tried and tested category management tools. • Managing risk. • Leverage and bargaining powers. • Strategic/ transactional contracts and negotiations. • Strategic/practical negotiating. Book…

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Modern Day Slavery with Mandy Chippindale on the 9th November at Sheffield Hallam.

Friday 22nd September 2017

Providing a background and history to the Modern Day Slavery Act 2015, what it means to procurement & Supply Chain professionals. Where it exists, what are the risks and how to ensure that your organisation complies with the law using appropriate supply chain diligence. As a result of attending this talk you will • Understand what slavery is in the modern day context • Appreciate the scale and impact of modern day slavery • Understand the law on modern day slavery • Understand their responsibilities under the Modern Day Slavery Act 2015 • Understand the link between supply chain transparency and the Slavery Act • Update on progress in compliance Mandy Chippindale FCIPS Chartered, Director of The Procurement Academy. Mandy has worked as a Direct Associate for the Chartered Institute of…

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EXAM TECHNIQUES - 12th October. Novotel in Leeds with Mandy Chippindale

Friday 22nd September 2017

Mandy Chippindale FCIPS Chartered, Director The Procurement Academy A presentation by The Procurement Academy covering: guidance on exam revision; tips, tools and techniques to help optimise your revision time; an opportunity to interact with the speaker and others attending the event. Furthermore, this is an opportunity to contribute your thoughts regarding potential future events/workshops for students. Mandy has a passion for procurement and a passion for developing people. She now has her dream job working as a tutor with The Procurement Academy. She has worked at a senior level with a number of blue chip companies including Tata Steel and Unipart Group. She has spent the last five years working with clients of CIPS on a global basis delivering qualifications, corporate award,…

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Procurement and Modern Day Slavery Part 2

Tuesday 5th September 2017

CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) state there is no official template but that the statement should contain: 1. An outline of an organisation's structure, business and supply chains. 2. Policies and due diligence in relation to slavery and human trafficking. 3. An identification of parts of its business and supply chains where there is a risk of slavery and human trafficking, and the steps it has taken to assess and manage that risk. 4. An assessment of its effectiveness in ensuring slavery and trafficking are not taking place in its business or supply chains measured against performance indicators it considers appropriate. 5. Information about training concerning slavery and human trafficking that's available to staff. Whilst this is now law, it should be common place practice anyway within procurement and…

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Procurement and the Modern Day Slavery Act - Part 1

Thursday 31st August 2017

"Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, cannot long retain it." The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln edited by Roy P. Basler, Volume III, "Letter To Henry L. Pierce and Others" (April 6, 1858), p. 376. The Modern Day Slavery Act is primarily concerned with targeting slavery - particularly linked with the trafficking of human beings. The act was originally introduced to the House of Commons as a draft form in October 2013 by James Brokenshire. Finally on the 26th March 2015 it gained royal assent and became law. The law refers to current provisions in the following three areas: •Creating two new civil orders to prevent modern slavery. •Established an Anti-Slavery Commissioner. •Makes…

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Building Soft Skills in Procurement Part 3

Wednesday 9th August 2017

Exceptional people and relationship management skills Communication and negotiation are an interchangeable skill set and a foundation for people and relationship management skills. As human beings we communicate and negotiate on a daily basis and how effective individuals are in this area determines their ability to motivate people to achieve the organisations and their personal goals. This is never more applicable than to supplier relationships; as every occurrence of communication prior to and post nomination equates to the final supplier relationship you are left with. This needs to be a strong relationship to ensure it is performance driven post nomination and the longevity in securing the supplier; as a strategic and reliable one. Execution of ideas and strategy There are always so many…

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Building Soft Skills in Procurement Part 2

Wednesday 2nd August 2017

Strategic procurement and logical thinking Individuals who possess strategic and logical thinking as part of their working procedure have the innate ability to plan effectively, aligning their own aspirations and goals with that of the organisation. They help give clear direction for managers, outline longer term planning, and identify risk and opportunities (supply chain and risk analysis). Effective communication The ability to communicate across all levels is key to a successful procurement professional. Effectiveness in communication also means trust. Do your stakeholders trust you can maintain and deliver? Individuals who remain calm in emotional situations earn trust and can be relied upon. Communication goes beyond speaking, it is essential the individual can listen and interpret these requirements before ultimately executing them. Understanding emotional and…

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