Helping you understand and apply the new procurement rules in practice
The Procurement Act 2023 marks a significant shift in public procurement, introducing new processes, obligations and opportunities for contracting authorities across local government.
Whether you are working in procurement, legal, or commissioning, it is essential to understand what these changes mean in practice.
To support you through this transition, Sharpe Pritchard procurement specialists have created a new recorded vodcast series.
General application, objectives, overarching duties
Release Date: 4 November 2025
This episode introduces PA23, explores what’s changed under the new legislation, outlines public contract exemptions, and explain the overarching objectives and duties it establishes.
Listen HerePre-procurement Considerations
Release Date: 12 November 2025
This episode covers key pre-procurement steps including the checklist, preliminary market engagement, use of lots, record-keeping requirements, and managing conflicts of interest.
Listen HereModifications and Direct Awards
Release Date: 19 November 2025
This episode will demystify the new rules around direct awards and contract modifications under the Procurement Act 2023, helping you stay compliant while making confident, informed decisions.
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Preparing the tender notice and associated tender documents
Release Date: 26 November 2025
This episode provides an overview of transparency in procurement, summarises the various types of notices, explores those required in the early stages up to the tender notice, and concludes with record-keeping responsibilities.
Listen HereSupplier selection: conditions of participation
Release Date: 3 December 2025
This episode explains conditions of participation in procurement, their scope and limitations, grounds for rejection, and introduces the role of the Central Digital Platform.
Listen HereSupplier selection: debarment and exclusion
Release Date: 10 December
This episode continues the discussion on participation conditions by focusing on grounds for exclusion and the process of debarment in public procurement.
Listen HereConcession Contracts
Release Date: 17 December 2025
This episode explores how concession contracts have changed under PA23 compared with CCR 2016, what qualifies as a concession contract, the key exemptions and flexibilities, and the impact of the 2025 consequential amendments.
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Procurement
teams
In-house legal
advisers
Contract managers
and commissioners
Sharpe Pritchard is a leading adviser to the public sector – ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners guide – with a nationally-recognised procurement team.
We work closely with local authorities, government bodies and the utility sector, helping them to apply procurement law practically and efficiently, from designing compliant processes to addressing challenges. To find out more, please get in touch with our team.
