In early 2023, the VGPB and departmental CPOs identified building procurement capability as an emerging priority for the Board. In 2023-24, the Procurement Knowledge Hub was launched, with the first of a series of eLearning courses tailored to the VGPB policy framework for buyers across government. This year, the team has continued to develop new eLearning courses tailored to the VGPB policy framework for buyers across government. DGS also delivered its regular peer-to-peer learning sessions for procurement professionals and engaged with departments and agencies directly on their procurement capability needs.
Launch of new eLearning courses for the Procurement Knowledge Hub
DGS developed and released seven new eLearning courses for the Procurement Knowledge Hub (the Hub) in 2024-25. This included four new courses to complete the Introduction to Procurement series. The series aims to help buyers build a foundational understanding of the procurement process. The courses included are:
- Introducing procurement: what is procurement?
- Governance: the key to your procurement success
- Plan the procurement: achieving your procurement goals
- Prepare invitation documents: setting your procurement in motion*
- Invite, evaluate and select offers: essential steps for better procurement outcomes*
- Managing the contract: delivering value with your supplier*
- Concluding the contract: closing with confidence.*
*new in 2024-25
The course content is aligned with the VGPB policy framework with lots of practical advice and examples. The series also aims to raise awareness of common red flags for fraud and corruption at each stage of the process, along with appropriate counteracting measures.
Three additional skill builder courses were developed to address and uplift capability in priority areas identified by agencies. The skill builder courses were:
- Supplier debriefs: building supplier participation and capability
- Develop specifications: communicating your needs and wants effectively
- Managing risk in procurement: a continuous process
Buyers can also access training and resources on other policy areas on the Hub relating to the Social Procurement Framework, Building Equality Policy and the Good Food Policy.
In 2024-25, DGS supported eight departments and agencies to embed the DGS eLearning courses from the Hub directly into their own learning management systems, providing them with more oversight and the ability to mandate courses to specific users. Feedback to date on the Hub and the eLearning modules has been positive. A recent survey found that most users find the courses engaging, are likely or very likely to continue using the Hub and would recommend the Hub to colleagues.
Whole of Victorian Government Procurement Officers’ Meeting
DGS hosts a series of peer-to-peer learning events throughout the year known as the Procurement Officers’ Meeting. These events brought together an average of 175 procurement practitioners from across departments and agencies to share information and learn from each other.
Seven events were held in 2024–25 including presentations on the Supplier Code of Conduct, Fair Jobs Code, Intellectual Property Policy, the Digital Marketplace and SPCs.
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