Simon has been responsible for many Government projects and programmes
Learning from experience in working with a range of councils, this webinar brings to life the guidance we have recently published on CMPP Supplier Negotiations. This was presented by two Senior Strategic Directors at Local Partnerships, David Crowe and Simon Bandy, who looked at preparing the right environment for negotiations, the key principles and areas of best practice.
Contract negotiation is not just an activity for those with a direct contract management role. It is likely to involve a range of senior officers within any authority depending on the size and importance of the contract. Supplier negotiation is therefore a capability that will need to be identified and supported in both corporate and service delivery teams.
Contract negotiation involves reaching mutually agreeable terms and conditions with suppliers. It requires councils to find a balance between ensuring that their best interests are pursued, while accommodating the needs of the supplier.
The aim of the process should be to minimise the risk of a rupture in relationships between the council and its suppliers which can result in misunderstandings, damaging disputes and sub-optimal outcomes for both parties.
If councils do not adequately prepare for negotiations and dedicate skilled resources to negotiate, they are potentially exposing themselves to the risk of accepting unfavourable terms from their supplier.
Some other benefits which councils might hope to achieve from effective contract negotiation include:
Discover guides, toolkits and case studies that build on this topic
In the world in which councils operate, property professionals have a critical role to play in shaping future organisations. This lunchtime webinar series brings together leading voices from across the sector to explore how property teams can navigate change, strengthen capability, seize new opportunities and deliver lasting value for communities. Drawing on practical experience from local government and beyond, each session will combine expert insights, real-world examples and an interactive discussion on the issues that matter most to property leaders today.
The Climate Adaptation & Mitigation Matrix is a practical tool designed to help local authorities understand, assess and respond to the potential impacts of climate change and extreme weather on waste services and supporting infrastructure.
The matrix considers a range of climate-related hazards, including heatwaves, flooding and extreme cold, and their potential implications for collection services, household waste and recycling centres, transfer stations, operational depots and key supply chain facilities. It provides a high-level checklist of both short- and longer-term adaptation and mitigation measures that authorities can consider to strengthen the resilience and continuity of their services.
Drawing on research, case studies and stakeholder engagement, the matrix brings together practical actions and considerations in one place. It is not intended to prescribe a single approach; rather, it provides a flexible framework that local authorities can adapt to reflect their own climate risks, infrastructure, service models, geography and local circumstances.
The toolkit also highlights opportunities to embed climate resilience into existing organisational processes and decision-making, rather than treating adaptation as a standalone activity. This includes considering resilience measures through procurement and contract management, budget and capital planning, policy and strategy reviews, asset management, service transformation programmes and wider operational planning.
By using the matrix as a prompt for discussion, review and forward planning, local authorities can identify vulnerabilities, prioritise appropriate interventions and progressively build greater resilience into waste services, infrastructure and supply chains.
With NESO inviting participation in RESP Strategic Boards and Working Groups, this guide helps local and combined authorities consider what they need to put in place to take an effective role in regional energy planning.
Drawing on interviews with local authorities, it sets out practical approaches to:
An accompanying executive summary provides a concise overview for senior leaders and elected members, explaining why RESP matters, the risks of limited engagement and the organisational arrangements needed to respond effectively.
The guide was funded by West Midlands Combined Authority and draws on learning from the Planning Regional Infrastructure in a Digital Environment (PRIDE) project.
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