Procurement process

Dorset HealthCare’s overarching vision is to be Better Every Day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do. This guides us in our purpose to provide integrated healthcare services that empower people to make the most of their lives.

To help the Trust meet these goals, Procurement operations must achieve a new level of capability, and provide a more pro-active and fully rounded commercial service to customers across the Trust.

All purchasing activity for Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust is undertaken in accordance with UK law, public procurement law, regulations and directives, the Trust’s Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders, and based on the achievement of Value for Money.

Value for money is defined as the optimum combination of whole-life cost, quality and fitness for purpose to meet the Trust’s requirements.

Formal tenders will normally be undertaken where the intended expenditure exceeds £30,000 (exclusive of VAT).

Quotations will normally be undertaken where formal tendering procedures are not adopted

• Under £5,000 1 written quote or 2 verbal quotes
• £5,000<£10,000 2 written quotes
• £10,000<£30,000 3 written quotes
• £30,000<£75,000 (works only) 3 written quotes

Tender and Quotation Opportunities

Quotation opportunities will be available for purchases in line with the financial limits detailed above and will be made available to local SME’s wherever this is possible. However the Trust will usually make use of any National Frameworks or contracts which are in place as a first course of action before inviting quotations.

No PO No Pay policy

It is important to note that the Trust operate a strict No PO No Pay policy when transacting with suppliers. Therefore it is critical for suppliers to ensure that they are in receipt of a valid Purchase order number to guarantee, that once the works or goods have been received, the Trust will issue timely payment.