How we support the business
The Department is dependent on commercial partners for provision of goods and services that make up about 50% of Departmental running costs. Commercial partners can provide investment, products, expertise and experience needed to modernise our services. They therefore directly contribute to the DWP objective to "modernise welfare delivery so as to improve the accessibility, accuracy and value for money of services to customers, including employers". The Commercial Directorate's activity to get the best value from DWP commercial relationships will be an essential contribution to the Department's achievement of the Efficiency Challenge.
Effective procurement and contract management is essential to secure the right level of service and value for money from our commercial deals. Commercial Directorate provides assurance that procurements across the Department are legal, follow a proper process, observe best practice and deliver value for money. We also provide commercial advice to improve contract and supplier performance and supply chain management. Through Commercial Relationship Managers (CRM), Commercial Directorate works with DWP and its businesses to better understand the commercial implications of business change and to ensure commercial support is provided to key business initiatives. CRMÅfs also provide a single gateway to Commercial Directorate activity.
The Commercial Directorate objectives and targets are linked to the wider roles of DWP Finance to contribute to strategic planning and assurance and in providing a range of shared services to the Department. The largest shared service Commercial Directorate provide is managed by Estates covering national estates management services and support for Jobcentre Plus. Commercial Directorate objectives also support the Treasury / Office of Government Commerce (OGC) agenda to improve Government procurement and gain better value through cross-Government collaboration.
Programme & Systems Delivery:
PSD supports all the business functions within the DWP by the sourcing of all necessary hardware, software, telecoms and consulting requirements through a wide range of approved third parties. The sourcing and overall management of our IT/IS requirements are under the primary control and responsibility of our partner EDS UK.