In this article, Jake Stone, Principal Consultant at Consultancy+, explores how the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) is reshaping public sector procurement, from process-driven models to outcome-led delivery.
Following Procurex England 2026, it feels like a good moment to reflect on one of the most significant changes our sector has seen in recent years: the Procurement Act 2023, and more importantly, what it means in practice for public sector organisations.
There has been no shortage of commentary on the legislation itself. However, from what I see working closely with authorities across the country, the challenge is not understanding the act, it is making it work in the real world - quickly, compliantly, and without slowing down delivery. That is where the shift is already taking shape.
PA23 does not remove the fundamentals of good procurement. Transparency, fairness, and value for money remain essential. What it does change, however, is how organisations are expected to achieve those outcomes.
There is a clear move away from purely process-driven procurement towards a more flexible, outcome-led approach.
This shift is already visible in several key areas:
Together, these changes signal a more progressive and agile procurement landscape, designed to enable delivery rather than constrain it.
Across local government and the wider public sector, organisations are facing a consistent set of pressures, including reduced procurement capacity, increasing expectations from leadership teams, ongoing transformation and savings programmes, and heightened scrutiny of supplier performance and delivery.
While the Act creates opportunity, it simultaneously raises expectations. Procurement teams are no longer tasked solely with running compliant processes, they are expected to enable pace, support strategic delivery, and drive measurable outcomes.
Through our work at Consultancy+, several clear trends are emerging as organisations respond to this evolving landscape. These include a drive towards faster procurement timelines, growing demand for specialist expertise in transformation, digital and commercial delivery, increased use of flexible procurement routes such as direct awards, and a stronger focus on contract management and supplier performance oversight.
In simple terms, organisations are seeking ways to remain compliant while accelerating delivery, and in many cases, to use procurement as a lever for speed rather than a barrier.
Consultancy+ manage the YPO 1141 Professional Services Framework, providing a route to market that aligns with both the letter and the spirit of the act, combining compliance with flexibility.
This enables organisations to access a broad and diverse supplier base, including SMEs, run compliant mini competitions quickly, and use direct award where appropriate. It also allows them to bring in specialist expertise at pace while reducing the administrative burden on internal teams. Importantly, this approach supports outcome-led delivery rather than adding layers of process.
A key focus for Consultancy+ has been moving beyond simply offering a framework. A route to market alone does not solve the challenge.
Organisations increasingly need support to shape the right approach, from defining requirements and selecting sourcing strategies, to identifying the right delivery partners.
This is particularly important given the scale of change many authorities are navigating, including:
The Procurement Act is not separate from these priorities, it underpins them. It is an enabler of delivery, not just a compliance framework.
One of the most positive aspects of the act is the increased accessibility for SMEs and niche providers.
However, in practice, this only becomes a reality if organisations can engage these suppliers efficiently.
Through Consultancy+, we are helping to bridge that gap by enabling faster, more effective access to specialist capability across the market. This flexibility is becoming increasingly important as delivery models continue to evolve.
The Procurement Act 2023 is more than a legislative change. It signals a broader direction of travel for the procurement profession, one that places greater emphasis on outcomes, pace, and value.
Organisations that embrace this shift will not only remain compliant, but also become more agile, more strategic, and better equipped to deliver meaningful change.
Navigating the changing procurement landscape while maintaining speed, compliance, and value is a complex challenge. It requires aligned strategies across procurement, finance, HR, suppliers, and delivery teams, and a clear focus on outcomes.
To discuss your organisation’s procurement challenges and priorities, book a meeting with the team today.
