The Procurement Act 2023 is a new law that will significantly change public procurement for the first time since 2015.  The Open University is a public sector body and purchases for goods, services and works will be made in line with the Procurement Act 2023.

The act is due to come into effect on 24 February 2025 and it aims to simplify and improve the procurement process.

The OU Approach

We are preparing to revise our commercial and procurement activity in line with the proposed reforms in the Procurement Act 2023. There will be no impact to existing contracts, or current live procurements.

There will be some changes, such as the obligation for the OU to publish a pipeline notice detailing future procurement activity looking forward over 18 months.

Details of further changes can be found in the information supplied below.

Government Guidance and Further Information

These short guides provide a high level overview of the key features of the Procurement Act, timelines for implementation and next steps.

The Procurement Act 2023 – a short guide for suppliers

Benefits for Prospective Suppliers to the Public Sector

Central Digital Platform – Factsheet

Small and Medium sized Enterprises

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