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NEPO has been recognised at this year’s GO Awards, receiving Highly Commended in the Collaborative Procurement Initiative category for its Regional Procurement Apprenticeship Programme.

The recognition follows the successful design and launch of the programme, which was developed by NEPO in partnership with its 12 Member Authorities and SR Supply Chain Consultants Ltd to help build a sustainable pipeline of procurement talent across the North East.

The Collaborative Procurement Initiative category attracted 26 entries, making the Highly Commended award a significant achievement for everyone involved in the programme.

NEPO identified a shared challenge facing the procurement profession: how to attract, develop and retain the next generation of procurement professionals. By working collaboratively with Member Authorities and training partner SR Supply Chain Consultants Ltd, NEPO created a regional apprenticeship programme that brings together expertise, resources and a shared commitment to investing in future talent.

The programme is overseen by Brett Sharkey and reflects NEPO’s wider commitment to strengthening procurement capability, creating career opportunities and supporting public sector procurement teams across the region.

Apprentices benefit from technical training delivered across two regional centres, alongside employability and professional skills workshops designed to help them build confidence, develop networks and progress successful careers in procurement.

Programme impact

• 94% first-time pass rate in CIPS exams
• Highest performance in England among comparable training providers
• A growing, sustainable talent pipeline supporting procurement teams across the region

The GO Awards recognition celebrates the strength of collaboration and the impact that can be achieved when public sector organisations work together to address shared challenges.

While the award is a proud moment for NEPO and its partners, the greatest success is the long-term value of the programme: creating opportunities for people to enter and progress in procurement while supporting the future resilience of the profession across the North East.