Executive summary

Transport Scotland’s Annual Procurement Report 2023 -2024 records the successful delivery of 47 regulated procurements with a value in excess of £64 million. During the financial year, its procurement activity has complied with the seven procurement priorities detailed in the Transport Scotland Corporate Procurement Strategy 2023-2024. These priorities support Transport Scotland aims to deliver its procurement activities while striving for best value and promoting responsible procurement and effective contract management. Transport Scotland retains its commitment to continuous improvement and maintenance of high capability in its procurement activities. Details of Transport Scotland’s regulated procurement activity during the reporting period is shown in Appendix A.

Sustainable procurement principles underpin all Transport Scotland procurement activity and contribute to the delivery of the Scottish Government’s just transition. It remains at the forefront of implementing a wide range of community benefits in its contracts and procurements. Transport Scotland maximised its impact in delivering a wide range of employment and training opportunities, supporting young people, adults and businesses throughout Scotland. Suppliers on its contracts are supporting local communities by creating economic benefits and supporting community groups, as well as visiting schools, providing environmental benefits, supporting local businesses and making charity donations.

Community benefits reported by contracted suppliers during the period include the creation of 613 new entrants’ positions, 36 apprenticeships, 72 graduate positions and 22 work placements. Appendix B highlights the range of employment positions provided by suppliers over the reporting year as a result of community benefits, as well as showcasing examples of other community benefits provided on one contract. Transport Scotland’s suppliers also awarded over 520 sub-contracts valued in excess of £117 million.

Transport Scotland is committed to promoting the use of supported businesses and social enterprises through procurement. Its suppliers placed contracts and orders with a value in excess of £533,000 with supported businesses and social enterprises during the reporting period.