Motion

Motion TitleImproving Procurement Practices for Schools

Motion TextThat this Assembly acknowledges the vital importance of ensuring schools have access to high-quality goods and services that meet their particular needs; notes that public procurement policy does not prohibit schools from directly procuring low cost goods and services in a timely manner; further notes the concerns raised by schools and school leaders regarding the inflexibility and complexity of the Education Authority's (EA) current application of procurement policies; recognises that overly rigid and bureaucratic procurement processes can hinder schools' ability to achieve best value for money, respond quickly to local needs, and access small and local suppliers of relevant goods and services; and calls on the Minister of Education to conduct a review of the EA's application of procurement policy for schools with a focus on reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, providing flexibility for school leaders to make purchasing decisions within clear and transparent guidelines, and establishing regular engagement with school leaders to identify and address ongoing challenges in procurement policy.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office04/02/2025

Date Selected By Committee11/02/2025

Date of Plenary Debate25/02/2025