Overview:
Saxon Weald is a housing association established in 2000, managing nearly 7,000 homes across Sussex and Hampshire. With a mission to provide safe, secure housing and create positive life opportunities, the organisation continually reinvests in improving existing properties and developing new ones.
To deliver this mission effectively, Saxon Weald relies on procurement that is timely, sustainable, compliant, and delivers value for money. However, without a dedicated procurement function, responsibilities had been dispersed across operational departments, leading to fragmented approaches and limited strategic oversight. Recognising the growing complexity of procurement and the need to prepare for upcoming legislative changes, the organisation sought expert support to strengthen its approach.
The problem
Navigating procurement complexities without a dedicated team
In late 2024, Saxon Weald engaged our consultancy team to conduct a thorough audit of its procurement and contract management activities. The audit identified gaps between current practice and procurement best practice, while also providing guidance on the implications of the forthcoming Procurement Act 2023.
The findings revealed inconsistencies in procurement processes and a lack of standardisation across departments. Governance structures were limited, and there was no centralised function to ensure strategic oversight or compliance. To address these challenges, Saxon Weald required the implementation of audit recommendations, the centralisation and standardisation of procurement practices, and clear alignment with the new legislation.
We were subsequently appointed to support the organisation in transforming its procurement governance and building a consistent, compliant, and future-proof framework.
The solution
Procurement transformation programme
Working in close partnership with Saxon Weald, we designed and implemented a robust procurement governance framework tailored to the organisation’s operational needs.
Key elements of the transformation included:
“During our procurement transformation journey, PfH acted as a critical friend – supporting us to improve our approach to procurement and contract management, providing invaluable advice and boosting our procurement knowledge and capacity.”
Debbie Chun, Chief Information Officer, Saxon Weald
The results
Building confidence and compliance
The transformation has already delivered measurable benefits. Procurement activities across Saxon Weald are becoming more consistent, centralised, and aligned with emerging legislation. Staff report increased confidence and clarity in applying the new processes, and the organisation has taken its first steps towards establishing a comprehensive contracts register and forward procurement plan. These developments are enhancing visibility, enabling strategic oversight, and laying the foundation for long-term planning.
The future outlook: Strengthening supplier relationships and long-term planning
Encouraged by the progress made, Saxon Weald has extended its partnership with us to focus on the next phase of development. This includes building a supplier and contract management governance framework, standardising contract documentation, and completing the contracts register and procurement repository. These initiatives will further strengthen Saxon Weald’s procurement function and support more effective supplier relationships.