Procurement Policies

Procurement Act 2023 

The Procurement Act 2023, introduced on the 24^th February 2025, will bring about a number of changes in how procurement and contracts are managed in Translink.  Its introduction will streamline how procurement is carried out, provide greater transparency of how contracts are managed, and open up opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

To help suppliers with this transition, including use of the new digital platform,  Cabinet Office have produced a range of guidance which can be accessed here;

Information and guidance for suppliers - GOV.UK

The Procurement Act 2023: A short guide for suppliers (HTML) - GOV.UK

The Procurement Act represents the biggest change to public procurement in a generation and Translink look forward to working with suppliers to realise the opportunities this new legislation will bring.

As a body governed by public law in Northern Ireland, Translink is also subject to Northern Ireland Public Procurement Policy, which sets out 12 guiding principles:

1. Accountability:  Effective mechanisms must be in place in order to enable Departmental Accounting Officers and their equivalents in other public bodies to discharge their personal responsibility on issues of procurement risk and expenditure.
2. Competitive Supply:  Procurement should be carried out by competition unless there are convincing reasons to the contrary.
3. Consistency:  Suppliers should, all things being equal, be able to expect the same general procurement policy across the public sector.
4. Effectiveness:  Public bodies should meet the commercial, regulatory and socio-economic goals of government in a balanced manner appropriate to the procurement requirement.
5. Efficiency:  Procurement processes should be carried out as cost effectively as possible.
6. Fair Dealing:  Suppliers should be treated and without unfair discrimination, including protection of commercial confidentiality where required.  Public bodies should not impose unnecessary burdens or constraints on suppliers or potential suppliers.
7. Integration:  In line with the statutory duties on equality of opportunity and sustainable development, and the Executive’s policy on joined-up government, procurement policy should pay due regard to the Executive’s other economic, social and environmental policies, rather than cut across them.
8. Integrity:  There should be no corruption or collusion with suppliers or others.
9. Informed Decision Making:  Public bodies need to base decisions on accurate information and to monitor requirements to ensure that they are being met.
10. Legality:  Public bodies must conform to EC and other legal requirements.
11. Responsiveness:  Public bodies should endeavour to meet the aspirations, expectations and needs of the community served by the procurement.
12. Transparency:  Public bodies should ensure that there is openness and clarity on procurement policy and its delivery.

Translink is committed to eliminating the risks of modern slavery and human rights violations from its entire supply chain.

More on Translink's Modern Slavery Statement

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