It has been announced that John Collington, the Home Office’s Group Commercial Director has been appointed the new head of procurement in the Efficiency and Reform Group (ERG), a joint cabinet office – treasury group that is spearheading government’s efficiency agenda across Whitehall.

The ERG Head of  Procurement  is a new position based within the ERG with a mandate to develop and drive a new cross Government approach to procurement that focuses on value for money.  Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office Minister and Co-chair of the Efficiency and Reform Board, stressed the importance of Government saving “every penny” and reducing internal costs.

John Collington will take on his role with effect from 1st September 2010. He joined the Home Office in January 2007 as Group Commercial Director with responsibility for transforming how the Department manages its annual £2.4bn expenditure on goods and services. Before joining the Home Office John spent 23 years in the Private Sector in a number of senior commercial and supply chain roles operating on a global basis.

“The work that John Collington will lead from the Efficiency and Reform Group will help all departments across government address the pressing demands of necessary spending reductions” the minister said.

John Collington said:

“There has never been a greater need for smarter, aggregated approaches to Government spending on commodities. Financial challenges faced by departments means it is imperative solutions are acted upon quickly. Pockets of best practice already exist within Whitehall, but so much more can be achieved. I am looking forward to working with commercial colleagues across Departments to deliver the necessary reforms, building on the current best practices, and realising the full potential of the programme.”