May Newsletter Foreward

Message from the Director of the Education Procurement Service and Head of Sourcing (Education)

As we advance through 2025, the Education Procurement Service (EPS) remains committed to delivering strategic, value-driven procurement solutions that align with national priorities and sectoral needs. Our work continues to be underpinned by the principles of collaboration, innovation, and service excellence across the education and public procurement landscape.

Workforce Development: In January, we welcomed two Co-operative Education students to the EPS team. Their contributions have been greatly appreciated, and we wish them every success in their future careers. Their reflections are featured in this issue.

Digital Transformation: February saw EPS participation in the Eolas Digital Government Conference at Croke Park. This forum facilitated critical dialogue on the role of digital innovation in enhancing public service delivery, with insights shared across government and procurement communities.

Sectoral Engagement: In April, EPS was pleased to collaborate with Procurex Ireland at the RDS. This national event provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement. With the development of Ireland’s first National Public Procurement Strategy underway, the event reinforced the importance of continuous improvement, agility, and strategic alignment in public procurement. I was honoured to deliver a keynote address alongside EPS Portfolio Manager, Maria Owens.

EPS is proud to be working in close partnership with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP), leading the education sector’s engagement during the consultation phase of the National Public Procurement Strategy. This Strategy aims to enhance public value through strategic, sustainable, and transparent procurement practices that foster competition and deliver measurable outcomes for the people of Ireland.

This work builds on a strong foundation. In June 2024, the Department published a policy statement outlining the vision for a new procurement strategy. This was followed in September 2024 by a national strategic dialogue—delivered in partnership with the European Commission—focused on green, socially responsible, and innovation-led procurement. The resulting roadmap now guides the development of the Strategy.

EPS will play a central role in this next phase and looks forward to engaging with stakeholders across the education and procurement sectors in the months ahead.

Finally, I would like to extend my congratulations to Rachel Hogan on her appointment as Data & Reporting Analyst. Her expertise will further strengthen our capability in evidence-based procurement and performance reporting.

Philip Gurnett

Director, Education Procurement Service, Head of Sourcing, Education