PAC urges stronger commitment from Government on changes to procurement processes
Scrutiny
3 October 2025
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is seeking firmer commitment and faster action from Government to address the issues and recommendations in the Committee’s report on how the Government undertakes its procurement processes.As part of its remit, PAC reviews the Government’s procurement process to ensure that best practice is being followed, and where necessary provide recommendations.
The Government responded to the PAC’s report on 5th September 2025 addressing the issues raised by the Committee.
The Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Deputy Inna Gardiner, said:
“PAC is appreciative of the Government’s cooperation during this process and welcomes that the Government has agreed to some of our recommendations, as outlined in its Executive Response.
“However, Government’s response is too vague and too slow, and in some cases dismissive. PAC is concerned that without stronger commitments and clear timelines, Jersey risks repeating the same procurement problems that have already been raised by the business community and charities.
“For example, there is still no clear recognition of the economic value that local providers bring. Unless the additional benefits of local procurement are accurately reflected in tender evaluations, there is a risk that procurement activities will fail to deliver the best available outcome for the Island as a whole.
“The recommendation from PAC that a “light-touch” tender-track for contracts under £100k – which would support SME’s and smaller local businesses who proportionately commit significantly greater resource preparing bids - was rejected outright, despite strong evidence from the Institute of Directors, Chamber of Commerce and the Construction Council that this would be a step in the right direction.
“Additionally, the First Social Value report has been promised to be presented in 2026, but the timelines are vague, and there is still no clarity on how local economic contributions will be properly measured and reported.
“Our Island’s charities are also facing funding insecurity, and despite the Government agreeing to three-year funding cycles “in principle”, this was deferred indefinitely, leaving charities without stability and certainty.
“Over £444.8 million of public funds was spent on procurement activity in 2024, and the recommendations put forward by the Public Accounts Committee offer clear opportunities to improve value for money. However, the limited assurance provided in the Government of Jersey’s response suggests that these opportunities may not be fully realised, raising serious concerns about the Government’s commitment to delivering better value for public expenditure.
“The rejections of PAC’s recommendations, in conjunction with a lack of a clear timeline for the implementation of some of the Government’s commitments, is a cause for concern. We call on Government to revisit these responses, provide firm delivery dates, and move beyond ‘business as usual’. Islanders deserve procurement processes that are transparent, fair, and deliver both value for money and long-term economic stability.
“The PAC will be following up on the recommendations and comments provided by the Government during upcoming quarterly hearings with the Chief Executive and will also raise areas for follow up within its legacy report to be presented prior to the next election in June 2026”.
