Agenda

This session will bring together senior procurement leaders from Northern Ireland’s education sector to examine current challenges and future opportunities. Discussions will focus on driving value in a tight funding environment, improving transparency, and building stronger supplier relationships. Panellists will also share perspectives on how digital tools, collaboration, and sustainable practices are shaping procurement strategies, and attendees will gain insights into the future priorities and practical approaches to balancing compliance, efficiency, and innovation in procurement.

The Supplier Engagement Zone provides suppliers and SMEs with the opportunity to book one-to-one meetings with senior education sector buyers, fostering direct connections and collaboration within Northern Ireland’s £1bn education procurement landscape.

This session will explore how education procurement is driving sustainability and social value across Northern Ireland. Panellists will discuss practical approaches to reducing environmental impact, embedding social outcomes in contracts, and meeting regulatory expectations. The conversation will also highlight successful initiatives and the role of suppliers, schools, and colleges in achieving measurable results, giving attendees clear guidance on integrating sustainability and social value into everyday procurement decisions.

This session will examine how digitalisation and technology are reshaping procurement in education and the wider public sector. Panellists will discuss the benefits of automation, data-driven decision making, and e-procurement platforms, alongside the challenges of adoption, integration, and skills. The discussion will also provide insights into how institutions can use technology to improve efficiency, compliance, and transparency while preparing for future demands, giving attendees practical perspectives on balancing opportunity with risk in digital procurement.