Regulations for ordering goods, services and works

If you make purchases between £10,000 (inc VAT) and £50,000 (inc VAT) you must obtain quotations from three suppliers prior to making your purchase, attach these to your purchase order requisition and explain on the requisition why you have selected that supplier.

Where a decision has been made not to obtain three quotes (e.g. you are placing the order against a University contract or a third party framework agreement), you must document on the purchase order requisition why quotes haven’t been obtained.

A recent audit report has highlighted an unacceptable number of purchase order requisitions that have not complied with this process, which is in place to ensure that the University can meet its legal obligation to be transparent in its procurement activities and achieve value for money.

Budget holders responsible for approving purchase order requisitions are reminded of their responsibility to approve only those requisitions that comply with the Financial Regulations.

Please note that where there are local arrangements for obtaining quotes for purchases under £10,000 (inc VAT) there should be no change to these arrangements in light of this reminder.

Please share this message will colleagues who are involved in purchasing goods, services and works.

Any queries should be directed to the Purchase Order Processing team.