Keeping up with compliance is a constant challenge for social care providers, and the Government’s latest requirement under the Public Procurement Reform (PA23) is another step to stay ahead.
If you’re not registered on the Central Digital Platform (CDP) (formerly Find a Tender), this could mean being excluded from key opportunities.
What is the Central Digital Platform (CDP)?
The CDP is now the main system for public procurement. It’s where all tenders are published, and it’s essential for providers looking to secure contracts with councils or other public bodies. The platform:
- Stores your organisation’s details for use in multiple bids, reducing admin.
- Lets you manage and update your information quickly and share it with buyers.
- Provides free access to public procurement opportunities, with alerts tailored to your needs.
- Offers visibility into the full lifecycle of procurement, helping you stay informed.
- Will soon feature data dashboards to help providers analyse trends and improve their strategies.
- Produces a Public Procurement Organisation Number (PPON), which identifies your organisation when bidding for contracts. You’ll then be prompted to review and update your details as needed.
- Once complete, you’ll be asked to ‘Confirm and get share code’. A share code will be displayed, along with the option to download your supplier information file for easy sharing. With this, you are officially bid-ready.
Why Registration is Non-Negotiable
Registering on the CDP ensures you can access tender opportunities and continue to showcase your expertise to local authorities.
For many providers, the CDP will become a central part of business operations, ensuring you can:
- Stay on top of available opportunities.
- Meet procurement requirements quickly and easily.
- Avoid being left behind by competitors who are already taking advantage of the system.
Take a moment to consider:
- Are you registered on the CDP? If not, it’s time to act.
- Is your profile up-to-date? Make sure your information reflects your capabilities.
- Do you have alerts set up? This ensures you’re notified as soon as a relevant tender goes live.
Acting now ensures you don’t miss out on valuable contracts, helping to protect your organisation’s growth and sustainability.
How to Register
Registering is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.
Follow the Government’s guide here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-act-2023-guidance-documents-procure-phase/guidance-central-digital-platform-and-publication-of-information-html
Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about keeping your organisation fit for purpose. At Insequa, we understand the challenges social care providers face in managing compliance while running their services. If you need support navigating the CDP or preparing for tenders, we’re here to help.
Register now and ensure your organisation is ready for what’s next. Staying ahead starts with taking the first step.
Video guidance detailing these steps
If you need one-to-one guidance, please contact us and our social care experts can help.
