RSLs & Public Procurement

Introduction

This guide is a brief explanation of what the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 mean for RSLs.

The Regulations usefully consolidate the previously separate Regulations for supplies, works and services. They also deal with developments in procurement and best practice. Procurement processes must be nondiscriminatory, fair and transparent. In many respects, the principles are similar to an equal opportunities approach to recruitment: well-trodden ground for RSLs. However, though there are similarities, the procurement regime is much more prescriptive.

In brief, the regime works as follows:

• Contracts for works, services and supplies over particular financial thresholds must be advertised within the EU's Official Journal, the OJ. Our client guide,"RSLs and the public procurement regime: which contracts are covered?", discusses which contracts are covered and the