Authorities that make purchases on a large scale now have a framework for sustainable public procurement. This requires larger-spending contracting authorities to publish procurement strategies, and annual reports. The intention is to make purchasing activities more visible, and to set out how procurement obligations are being met.

The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 gave the framework. It places a number of general duties on contracting authorities and some specific measures aimed at promoting good, transparent and consistent practice in procurement.

The Authority is the named contracting authority both for itself and for Police Scotland. However, the procurement function is performed by Police Scotland. Police Scotland reports on these duties on behalf of the Authority. It prepares and publishes a Procurement Strategy every three years, and it reports annually. See ‘Related Content’ below.

Further information, including the Procurement Strategy for 2021-2023, is available on Police Scotland's website.