17 July 2020
1-3pm
Overview
UK National GO Awards 2020 Online
With the highly anticipated UK National GO Awards delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic in April, this year’s event instead took place in an innovative new online format on 17 July. While the event was virtual the recognition of the outstanding Awards entries and the stories behind them were very real.
Even before COVID-19, public procurement across the UK was rapidly evolving as part of its transformation and playing a vital role within the delivery of public services. Now, against the backdrop of a global pandemic, the stakes are even higher. Procurement is front page news, and as the crisis evolves into something resembling normality, public service delivery will be at the forefront of economic recovery.
That’s why the UK National GO Awards matter now more than ever. It’s right to recognise the tireless work and endeavor that underpins the delivery of critical public services; to showcase the innovation and ingenuity that ensures public spend creates lasting social and economic benefit; and to mark the extensive collaborations and partnerships that exist across supply chains. Recognition matters – not just as an appreciation of a job well done, but to share best practice and raise standards still further.
Co-hosted by BBC Northern Ireland presenter Holly Hamilton and renowned magician Paul Martin – and with an official welcome from Simon Tse, Chief Executive of the Crown Commercial Service – this year’s event announced 20 Highly Commended awards and 17 category winners with entries from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each category winner went onto become a finalist for the GO Excellence Award – recognising the very best of the best in this year’s submissions.
The event also featured presentations from procurement leaders across the United Kingdom including:
- Brendan Smyth – Construction & Procurement Delivery Northern Ireland
- Nick Ford – Scottish Government
- Dean Medcraft, Director of Finance, Operations and Commercial – Welsh Government
Grahame Steed, Lead Judge for the GO Awards Programme said:
“The GO Awards have long recognised outstanding achievement and innovation in public procurement. While COVID-19 meant we couldn’t hold the Awards as planned in April, we have also innovated by delivering a full Awards programme in an online and interactive environment, thanks in no small part to our many sponsors and partners.
We’re delighted with the quality of the submissions this year and to have winners from every nation in the UK shows great strength in depth – so well done to them, and to all of the finalists. A particular well done to the DVLA for taking the highly coveted GO Excellence Award too.”
“The importance of public sector procurement has been in the spotlight during this crisis. I have seen some inspiring examples of innovation, speed of action and dedication … Each year the GO Awards feature yet more remarkable features of customer service, collaboration and creativity. As always at this event, we will celebrate and share what we have learned.”
“We are seeing fantastic examples of supply and partnership everyday across the public sector, this is why we are particularly proud to be sponsoring the Supplier Relationship Management Award. We take great pleasure in recognising the fantastic efforts of all the candidates and their achievements.”
“Thank you so much, we did not expect this and are absolutely blown away.”
“It’s a great success – thank you GO Awards!”
“2020 has been our first experience of the GO Awards and Procurex and although the circumstances are far from ideal, we are very impressed with how everything has been handled.”
“This year’s National GO Awards features a cracking set of submissions. Whether you’re nominated, highly commended or lucky enough to win, really good job and well done. You are demonstrating the power of procurement.”
“Delighted to win, thanks very much. Its important that we recognise procurement leadership and delivering better business.”
“We are extremely proud to be sponsoring the GO Awards, and in particular the category Leadership of the Year.”
“This means a lot to be recognised for all the work we have been doing. I know we were up against some fantastic competition as well.”
“We are delighted to be a sponsor for this year’s GO Awards. Our congratulations go to the nominees, all are worthy winners and we wish you the best of luck.”
“This is a great achievement because it recognises all the hard work undertaken behind a project.”
“Today offers an opportunity to celebrate the innovative procurement taking place across the whole of the UK. Working through the current crisis hasn’t been easy, and I have huge admiration for the procurement community and what it’s achieved.”
“Thanks very much and congratulations to to the other entries in this category. It’s a huge deal for the team as it’s the first time we have won a GO Award.”
“We are pleased to be supporting the GO Awards 2020. It’s a pleasure to be involved with the recognition, hard work and dedication that all the finalists have put into the projects and submissions. “
“It’s amazing to receive this award and also to be a part of this amazing category with so many other innovation projects.”
“It’s my pleasure to contribute to this event which is a showcase of the hard work and achievement of many procurement staff across the public sector. The GO Awards provides an opportunity to recognise the broad range of procurement activity of different organisations, and to highlight those fellow professionals who support the continual drive for transformation.”
“We are delighted to be sponsoring the GO Awards National, and to recognise the hard working individuals and teams working in procurement across the UK.”