SOCIAL MEDIA ZEITGEIST

The Procurement Act 2023 represents the most significant overhaul of the United Kingdom’s public procurement framework in a generation. Developed in the wake of the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Act replaces the previously fragmented and often cumbersome set of regulations that had been derived from EU Directives. Coming into effect in February 2025, the Act was created to simplify processes, encourage innovation, increase competition, and deliver better outcomes across public procurement.

At its core, the Act consolidates four separate procurement regimes – covering public sector contracts, utilities, defence and security, and concessions—into a single, coherent legislative framework. This was motivated by a widespread view that the previous system was overly prescriptive, rigid, and ill-suited to dynamic, modern procurement needs. The new regime provides contracting authorities with more flexibility while reinforcing key principles such as value for money, transparency, public benefit, and fairness. It also introduces digital reforms and encourages early market engagement, marking a significant shift in the culture and conduct of public sector procurement.

 

WHY SHOULD ARCHITECT’S TAKE NOTICE?

For architects and architectural practices, the Procurement Act 2023 introduces both new responsibilities and fresh opportunities. The core changes go beyond procedural updates – they reflect a philosophical shift in how public sector work is scoped, awarded, and evaluated. Central to the new approach is the emphasis on flexibility, innovation, and social value, all of which resonate deeply with the ethos and practice of architecture.

Architects will notice that the traditional procurement routes – such as the competitive dialogue and negotiated procedures—have been replaced by a more adaptable model called the Competitive Flexible Procedure. This allows public clients to design procurement processes that suit the specific nature and complexity of a project, which is particularly valuable in the built environment sector where no two projects are the same.

This flexibility enables a more tailored approach to the commissioning of design services and could lead to richer collaborations between clients and architects during early project stages.

In addition, the Act promotes greater transparency and performance accountability. Contracting authorities are required to publish extensive documentation throughout the tender lifecycle, from pre-tender planning notices to post-contract performance data. For architects, this means greater visibility into upcoming opportunities – but also an increased need to demonstrate outcomes, value delivery, and ethical conduct over time.

 

HOW DOES IT SIMPLIFY THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS?

One of the primary aims of the Procurement Act 2023 is to reduce the bureaucratic burden for both procurers and suppliers. For architects who have long struggled with the administrative complexity of public tenders – often out of proportion to the scale of the work on offer—this is a particularly welcome development.

The introduction of a single, unified procedure for competitive procurement helps eliminate much of the confusion that surrounded the previous system. Instead of choosing from a set of rigid procedures, authorities can now shape a procurement process to fit their needs. This might involve a straightforward tender for a simple contract, or a multi-stage dialogue for more complex architectural commissions. Importantly, the system is designed to be user-friendly and proportionate, reducing unnecessary delays and document-heavy submissions.

Equally important are the changes to the supplier registration and qualification process. Under the new rules, suppliers – such as architectural practices—only need to submit their credentials once through the Central Digital Platfrom on the governments Find a Tender website. Contracting authorities can then access this pre-existing data, streamlining the due diligence process.

The need to repeatedly supply detailed company accounts, certificates, and declarations for every new tender has been removed in favour of a more efficient and intelligent data-sharing model.

 

QUALITY, SOCIAL VALUE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Perhaps the most transformative element of the new Act is the elevation of quality, social value, and environmental considerations in procurement decisions. The Act mandates that contracting authorities take account of “public benefit,” explicitly encouraging the selection of suppliers who can deliver more than just the lowest price.

This change is particularly meaningful for the architecture profession, where value is often derived from the qualitative aspects of design – placemaking, sustainability, user experience, and long-term community benefit. Firms that can demonstrate a commitment to net-zero carbon design, social inclusion, and innovative thinking will be well placed to succeed under the new regime.

The emphasis on social value builds on the principles of the Social Value Act 2012 but goes further, making it a foundational objective rather than a secondary consideration. In practical terms, this means that tenders are more likely to reward architectural responses that incorporate community consultation, accessibility, and environmental stewardship. It also aligns with broader government strategies on levelling up, decarbonisation, and inclusive growth, putting architecture at the heart of national development ambitions.

 

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE FIRST MONTH?

The initial impact of the Procurement Act 2023 has been promising. Since the legislation came into effect in February 2025, over 3,000 public bodies have issued procurement notices under the new rules. Data released by the government indicates that SME participation in tenders has risen by 25 percent compared to the same period in the previous year, suggesting that the Act is successfully lowering barriers to entry and levelling the playing field for smaller practices, including independent architects.

The new central digital platform has also increased the visibility of tender opportunities. Users report improved access to documentation, greater clarity on timelines and requirements, and more consistent communication from contracting authorities.

In particular, the Competitive Flexible Procedure has been quickly adopted across sectors, with early evidence showing that it is being used to commission architectural, consultancy, and design-led services in a more responsive and dynamic manner.

Feedback from the market has been broadly positive, especially in regard to the more proportionate approach to supplier engagement. While some learning curves remain, especially around performance reporting and transparency notices, the first month of implementation indicates that the reforms are beginning to deliver on their aims.

 

SUMMARY

The Procurement Act 2023 has set in motion a bold reimagining of how public contracts are delivered in the UK. For architects, the new regime offers a renewed opportunity to bring design quality, social impact, and innovation into the centre of public procurement.

By simplifying procedures, focusing on value rather than cost, and enabling early and constructive engagement, the Act holds the promise of more meaningful and impactful collaborations between architects and the public sector.

However, success is not guaranteed. The transition to a more flexible, transparent, and accountable system will depend on how well contracting authorities embrace the spirit of the legislation, and how effectively suppliers adapt to new expectations. There is a risk that inconsistent application of the new rules, or a lack of adequate training among public buyers, could lead to confusion or missed opportunities.

Nonetheless, the early indicators are encouraging. If implemented with rigour and ambition, the Procurement Act 2023 could significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of public architecture in the UK—opening the door for architects to play a more influential role in shaping inclusive, sustainable, and high-quality environments for all.

For further information on setting up an account on the Central Digital Platform (CDP) – visit the governments Find a Tender site for guidelines.