Smarter Commissioning,
Better Contracting
The Context
The Royal Borough of Kingston embarked on the "Smarter Commissioning, Better Contracting" programme, an ambitious initiative aimed at delivering £2.3 million in savings from third-party expenditure while enhancing the council’s capabilities in commissioning, procurement and contract management. Previous efforts to achieve these savings had faltered, with targets unmet for three consecutive years. Recognising the need for a fresh approach, the council sought a strategic partner to secure immediate cashable savings and build internal capabilities for long-term sustainability.
Our Approach
The council appointed us as their strategic delivery partner to achieve four key objectives:
Provide additional capacity to confirm and implement savings proposals outlined in the budget, ensuring not only the expected savings but also any additional in-year savings.
Enhance the council’s strategic savings and market development capabilities, developing robust proposals the future.
Build the necessary knowledge, skills and capabilities within the council’s new commissioning and contracting model, reducing future reliance on external support.
Fully integrate the council’s commitment to social value into commissioning and contract management practices, ensuring tangible outcomes for residents and businesses.
The council required a flexible change partner capable of providing strategic guidance while driving projects to completion—a challenge they had struggled with in the past. The focus was on delivering tangible benefits and milestones, with a collaborative approach that aligned with the council's values. We worked closely with the corporate commissioning team and various service areas to develop a comprehensive programme aimed at delivering cashable savings, improved performance and greater social value over a 15-month period.
Key elements included:
Created a consistent framework for commissioning, procurement and contract management across all council areas, despite the diversity of procured goods and services.
Conducted a thorough review of tools, templates, processes, systems and skills. This included an organisation-wide assessment of commercial competencies, evaluating 160 staff in relevant roles through a detailed analysis of more than 1,400 data points.
Engaged staff in the development and implementation of changes, focusing on building long-term capabilities within the council.
Outputs and Outcomes
The outcomes of the programme exceeded expectations:
Delivered £2.8 million in savings, surpassing the original £2.3 million target, with milestones achieved ahead of schedule despite COVID-19 delays. Achieved a 600% return on investment.
Successfully implemented a new, consistent framework for commissioning, procurement and contract management.
Enhanced skills and capabilities across the council, providing an evidence-based diagnostic of skills gaps and clear guidance on where to prioritise future investments.
This collaboration not only delivered immediate financial benefits but also equipped the Royal Borough of Kingston with the tools and capabilities needed for sustained success in commissioning, procurement and contract management, ensuring the council can continue to achieve value for money and social value in its operations.
Client Feedback
“I want to pass on my personal thanks for the roles you have all played in the programme’s successful delivery and to congratulate you on the outcomes that have been achieved.
The headlines from the report are fantastic to read and I know that they will provide sound frameworks for the Council going forward - this work will not only provide immediate benefits to the Council and therefore our residents, but will continue to over the years ahead.”
CEO, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
About Us
Human Engine is a leading management consultancy with specialisms in strategy, transformation, digital, commercial, procurement and projects.
Founded in 2018, we have partnered with more than 50 local authorities, central government, NHS organisations and national charities to help transform their strategies, operations and cultures.
Our mission is to help individuals and organisations to do the best work of their lives. We do this by blending first-hand, practical experience of the problems we help our clients solve with award-winning consulting expertise and an approach based on trust, collaboration and partnership.