Commercial Annual Report 2024 - 25

Head of Commercial Review

"Firstly, I am delighted to share the first Commercial Annual Report with you. The year of 24/25 has been one of both success and inspiration. The Service has continued to support and deliver against the business needs whilst implementing a new e-tender and contract management system, as well as preparing systems and processes for the new procurement legislation. The team have demonstrated resilience and determination during a challenging period of significant staff turnover, as well as system and process changes. Under the new Procurement Act, we look to take advantage of new commercial opportunities and challenge the status quo at a time of significant need."

Andy Househam, Head of Commercial & Contract Management.

Looking back

The Service faced significant challenges in 2024/25, including the loss of half a small team during a critical period of implementing a new e-tendering and
contract management system and preparing for the Procurement Act 2023.

Recruitment difficulties led to prolonged understaffing, though collaboration with the wider Finance Team helped mitigate capacity issues.

Despite these hurdles, the Service exceeded its £500,000 cashable savings target through collaborative efforts and process efficiencies.

Looking forward

The team aims to leverage the opportunities presented by the Procurement Act,
particularly around transparency and Commercial value.

Key initiatives included the development of a Contract Management Framework to ensure value for money and performance monitoring, and the advancement of the Environment Strategy, led by a newly appointed Sustainability Lead, using smart data to establish a clear baseline and drive progress.

Performance Highlights

• £1.24m savings achieved

• £532k realised cashable savings

• £149k revenue generated

• 297 staff trained

• 161 procurements delivered

• 71 new provisions delivered

• 3 collaborative projects

• 19% awarded to local suppliers

• 5 staff recruited

• 21 exceptions

Case studies

Victim Services Framework

Partners: OPCC, East Midlands Probation, County & City Councils

Overview: A co-commissioned, four-lot framework delivering tailored victim support services across Nottinghamshire.

• Lot 1 – Victim CARE: Broad support for all crime victims, including those not covered by the Victims’ Code.

• Lot 2 – Restorative Nottinghamshire: High-quality restorative justice services to repair harm and reduce reoffending.

• Lot 3 – Victim Awareness Training: Educational courses for low-level offenders to understand the impact of crime.

• Lot 4 – Stalking Advocacy: Specialist support for victims of non-domestic stalking.

Key benefits:

• Greater flexibility and resilience through robust service specifications.

• Improved service quality and collaborative commissioning.

• Alignment with emerging priorities and more integrated outcomes for victims.

Biomass fuels

Department: Estates & Facilities

Overview: Biomass wood pellets were procured for Nottinghamshire Police sites via a further competition under the CCS National Fuels 2 Framework (Lot 3), rather than using the direct award option, to encourage competitive pricing.

Key benefits:

• Achieved £105,000 in cashable savings over the initial 3-year contract.

• Supports decarbonisation and net zero goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• Promotes cleaner air and circular economy principles through the use of waste wood.

• Enhances energy security by reducing reliance on imported fuels.

PSU vans

Department: Fleet

Overview: Procurement of 12 Public Support Unit (PSU) vehicles as part of the fleet replacement programme. The Commercial Team collaborated with Fleet and operational officers to ensure the vehicles met frontline needs.

Key benefits:

• Replaced ageing vehicles, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

• Ensures PSU vehicles are ready and available for deployment.

• Custom vehicle conversions designed by operational users, enhancing comfort, storage, and functionality for frontline duties.

Boiler replacement - Newark Police Station

Department: Estates

Overview: Two ageing gas boilers were replaced as part of scheduled condition survey works. The procurement was conducted via a compliant framework, enabling a streamlined process and installer-led system design for added flexibility.

Key benefits:

• Achieved £74,978 in savings.

• Improved energy efficiency, reducing fuel use and carbon emissions.

• Enhanced reliability and compliance with safety and environmental standards.

• Better long-term value through whole-life cost consideration.

• Improved facility performance and working conditions for staff.

Environmental sustainability

Setting the foundations

• Recruited first dedicated sustainability staff member.

• Established a formal Sustainability Board and published an Environment Strategy.

• Completed the force’s first environmental data baselining audit.

Getting the basics right

• Conducted waste audits and prepared departments for legislative changes (e.g., Simpler Recycling, April 2025).

• Analysed utility data to identify abnormal usage.

• Researched staff commuting emissions.

• Formed sustainability working groups with nearby forces.

• Developed and delivered staff sustainability training.

• Recruited green champions to promote sustainable practices.

• Integrated sustainability into procurement processes.

• Initiated nature assessments starting at HQ.

Accelerating impact & future readiness

• Completed electrical capacity studies, saving contractor fees.

• Assessed property potential for Net Zero and prioritised estate upgrades.

• Secured grant funding to explore fleet electrification.

• Approved EV salary sacrifice scheme to reduce commuting emissions.

• Launched internal communications for behaviour change.

• Partnered with departments and vendors to improve waste outcomes and reduce plastic use.

• Engaged external stakeholders (Council, NHS, Fire Service) for shared initiatives.

• Planned climate change risk assessments for late 2025.