ETBs procure a wide range of goods and services in order to meet the needs of the administrative offices, schools, further education and training centres under their remit. They also manage devolved building projects in cooperation with the Department of Education Schools Building Unit. This involves procuring design teams and contractors on individual projects in accordance with relevant procurement regulations. ETB’s also ensure that all capital projects operate in compliance with Department Technical Guidance Documents, Building Regulations etc.
Since 2011, all ETBs have actively participated in national contracts and frameworks (e.g. energy, stationery and office supplies etc.). They also have an established ETB Procurement Network which meets quarterly in order to promote the ongoing professionalising of procurement within the sector.
ETB Schools and Centres are supported in their procurement activity by their local ETB Administrative Office.
Procurement personnel in ETBs are supported by the Public Sector Reform (PSR) Unit which is based in Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), the national representative association for ETBs.