Case Study - Procurement Service Unit (PSU)

Matthew first became interested in purchasing and supply while studying for a business studies degree at the University of Glamorgan. He graduated with a 2:1 in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management.

“Unlike some of the other disciplines that I was studying at the time I found that although it was based on theory, procurement was easily applicable to everyday life, which appealed to me,” he explains.

"As part of the course I completed a dissertation on the subject of centralised procurement within an organisation. This enabled me to obtain membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, an internationally recognised qualification, which is respected and desired by potential employers."

Matthew joined HMPS in April 2006, as an Assistant Buyer within the Tenders and Contracts team:

“My role is to carry out competitive tenders and draw up contracts for goods, works and services that have been identified as a requirement by the various Prison establishments.

“HMPS Procurement function is undergoing an exciting restructure, and I work within a brand new unit based in Newport, South Wales. We are responsible for overseeing the spend of 30 establishments covering Wales, the South West of England, Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“I enjoy working in purchasing and supply; it is one of the fastest growing and most interesting areas of business. The range of goods and services that are tendered and purchased by HMPS Procurement every year is so wide that no two days are the same! The work that I do directly affects the working lives of staff and benefits prisoners too. It is good to know that money saved through smarter procurement is invested back into the service rather than being retained as profit by a private company.”