About the VGPB in 2021-22

The VGPB is a Victorian Government-owned body corporate established under the Financial Management Act 1994 (FMA). The VGPB sets the policies that govern procurement of non-construction goods and services across all Victorian Government departments and specified entities.

The VGPB’s role is to:

• develop, implement and review supply policies and practices
• monitor compliance with supply policies
• help organisations build procurement capability
• work with stakeholders to make procurement more efficient.

Reporting structure

The VGPB reports directly to the Assistant Treasurer and is supported by the Procurement Policy and Reform team in the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF).

Scope of VGPB policies

Under section 54B of the FMA, the VGPB is responsible for monitoring compliance by departments and specified entities with VGPB supply policies.

Effective 1 July 2021, the VGPB expanded its scope to include agencies that are subject to the Standing Directions 2018 under the FMA (with some exclusions including, for example, health agencies and universities).

The VGPB’s goods and services policies now apply to:

• departments and specified entities including VGPB expansion agencies from 1 July 2021
• Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC)
• offices or bodies specified in section 16(1) of the Public Administration Act 2004
• administrative offices established in relation to a department under Section 11(a) of the Public Administration Act 2004.

Access the list of organisations bound by VGPB policy.

Procurement is a core business function. Effective procurement ensures government uses public money responsibly, procuring the required goods and services to deliver value-for-money outcomes.

Procurement as a core business function

The VGPB sees procurement as a core business function. Its policy framework supports a strategic and efficient approach for the procurement of goods and services, covering the whole procurement lifecycle (see Figure 1).

VGPB Supply Policy Framework

• Governance
• Complexity and capability assessment
• Market analysis and review
• Market approach
• Contract management and contract disclosure

VGPB policies are based on assessing complexity and risk, and forward planning. The policies are underpinned by probity, accountability and scalability, and focus on value for money and more interactive engagement with the market. Each policy is supported by good practice guides, tools and templates to assist buyers and enable consistency across government.

Each agency adopts a procurement governance framework scaled to its procurement profile and must have the appropriate capability and oversight to carry out its procurements. When purchasing goods or services, buyers must comply with the relevant procurement policies of their organisation. These may include applicable broader government policies and Australian Standards where relevant, including but not limited to any supplier charters or codes of conduct.

Board meetings

The VGPB meets once every two months to:

• develop, approve and monitor compliance with policies
• provide oversight and guidance for state purchase contracts (SPCs)
• provide oversight of work to improve procurement technology and capability
• discuss other procurement policy and practice matters.

The Board held six meetings over the reporting period. Meeting attendance is listed in Table 1.

Table 1: Board meeting attendance in 2021–22

Assessing the VGPB’s performance

Each year, VGPB members conduct individual and Board assessments of performance over the past 12 months and identify opportunities for improvement. In line with VPSC good practice guidance, the self-assessment considers several key areas, including fulfilment of legislative requirements, strategic leadership, governance, board meetings and decision-making, integrity, diversity, and stakeholder relationships.

Board members reflected that the VGPB has kept a strong focus on its four strategic priorities through the year and lifted its engagement with stakeholders. Other key themes included considering how to further leverage the new spend data and analysis capabilities to identify insights and opportunities and measure procurement outcomes, and the importance of ensuring that polices and guidance are fit for purpose.

Board members as at 30 June 2022

The VGPB has a chairperson and a minimum of six other members. Board members are selected based on procurement experience and expertise. They can be internal or external to government.

New member Peter Gluskie was appointed in August 2021. As at 30 June 2022, the VGPB had eight members.

Nadine Lennie (Chair)

Nadine Lennie is a finance professional with more than 25 years of experience in procurement across large-scale programs to deliver projects in both the public and private sectors. Nadine brings to the position of chairperson extensive financial acumen, experience working in government policy frameworks along with expertise in leadership and board management.

Nadine is currently the Group Chief Financial Officer at Transgrid, having previously held the position of Group Chief Financial Officer at Atlas Arteria, an international toll road company based in Melbourne.

Claire Thomas

Claire Thomas is an economics professional with a background in public policy and administration. Now an independent public policy consultant, Claire has provided economic and public policy advice to a range of government and not-for-profit organisations.

Claire is a member of the Independent Review Panel providing probity oversight over the allocation of gambling licences in Victoria, and an independent member of the Department of Justice and Community Safety Audit and Risk Management Committee.

Denise Dyer

Denise Dyer is a multi-skilled professional with extensive experience in procurement, property and stakeholder relationship management. She has expertise in delivering major capability and change projects including information technology initiatives across a large, complex government business enterprise.

Denise also has a background in finance, consulting and in achieving social procurement outcomes in sourcing activities. Previously Denise chaired the Corporate Real Estate Committee of the Victorian Property Council, and was the Company Secretary of corProcure, a joint venture between major corporations to promote global buying. Her current full-time role is in the Victorian Public Sector as a senior manager in property and procurement at William Angliss Institute.

Peter Gluskie

Peter Gluskie is an information and communications technology (ICT) professional with significant procurement experience in a range of sectors including technology, telecommunications, supply chain and FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) organisations.

Peter brings to the VGPB significant experience leading complex technology transformation projects and procurements, along with expertise in governance, data and insights, complex problem-solving and financial management. Peter is currently a director/principal at Eagle Advantage Pty Ltd, a program management and strategy delivery consultancy.

Peter Lane

Peter Lane is an experienced information technology professional primarily in the private sector and is currently the Chief Information Officer for Goodstart Early Learning. Before this, Peter was employed in the Victorian Public Service as Chief Information Officer in the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.

Peter has a background in consulting in the United Kingdom and as a technology professional with General Motors. Peter has provided leadership and expertise to the Board, particularly in relation to oversight of technology SPCs and the VGPB’s strategic priority to enhance procurement systems and data.

Raoul Wainwright

Raoul Wainwright is an experienced industrial advocate, with a strong background in workplace relations and community services. Raoul has substantial experience in public policy development and working with government at all levels.

Raoul brings a practical understanding of the role of procurement in driving social, employment and environmental outcomes, in line with the Government’s commitment to driving deeper value for money from procurement, including through the Social Procurement Framework.

Samantha Winter

Samantha Winter is an accomplished finance executive, non-executive director and audit and risk committee chair. Samantha brings extensive commercial expertise, including significant goods and services procurement across the private and not-for-profit sectors.

Samantha has a wealth of knowledge and experience in strategic planning, ICT and project delivery, business improvement and general management in a range of complex service organisations overseeing diverse operations and stakeholders.

Seona James

Seona James is a Yorta Yorta woman who has focused her career to date primarily on Aboriginal engagement and relationship-building, both externally with Aboriginal organisations and internally with leadership teams and employees.

Seona is a businessperson who established her business (Indigenous Cultural Connections) in March 2018 and is currently self-employed. She was a member of the Victorian Aboriginal Economic Board from April 2017 to May 2019. Seona retired from the VGPB on 30 June 2022.