Between 1st January 2007 and 31st December 2011, almost 10,000 people attended training courses delivered by TfC. These have included  a number at events delivered on behalf of the DWP and DH. A review of feedback forms showed that more than 8% would like a short  "handy guide" to the principles which underpin tendering and procurement. This has been requested by various groups which include:

• Trustees of Charities;
• GPs;
• Practice Managers;
• Health Professionals;
• Directors of companies;
• Senior managers;
• volunteers;
• front line staff who are not involved in tender preparation;
• staff at CVS, voluntary actions and other umbrella bodies to hand out in response to enquiries.

The first edition of the Guide explains the background to public sector procurement, the rules and tendering processes. Also included is a brief description of the important matter of Competition Law, essential for all those working or planning to work in any style of consortium, Partnership, SPV (SPE) or other type of Joint Venture arranagement

Since May 2009 has had the pleasure iof making "The Handy Guide" available to download, FREE of CHARGE.

The first edition of the Guide was downloaded over 5,800 times between May 2009 and December 2011, however there have been a number of changes during the period, so in early 2012 an update was overdue to take accoount of new developments.

TfC is pleased to announce the publication of the 2012, 2nd edition of The Handy Guide. The new edition contains all of the items which have already proved to be so extremely popular, but these have been updated to incorporate the effects of the Remedies Directive, an explanation of the standstill period, VEAT notices and much more.

The TfC Handy Guide to Tendering and Procurement is still available FREE of CHARGE and can be downloaded from the link below.

Copying is allowed provided that the source is acknowledged.