Powering Procurement – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of Powering Procurement, hosts Sian Lloyd and Gareth Burch are joined by Travis Crouch, Head of Commercial Systems and Intelligence for the UK Department of Health and Social Care. Together, they dive into the transformative power of procurement in the public health sector. Travis shares insights on why data is key for smart procurement strategies, how to navigate compliance challenges in a rapidly changing landscape, the importance of leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics to enhance procurement processes across the NHS, and how AI is set to transform public procurement.

Travis is a skilled expert in procurement, combining rich experience from both public and private sectors. He's led teams at Aviva and NHS Digital and has significantly impacted the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Now, at the DHSC and NHS, he's transforming procurement processes by harnessing advanced technologies and data-driven strategies to improve public health outcomes. Additionally, as an Associate Commercial Specialist for the Government Commercial Function, he shares his expertise to strengthen procurement capabilities across the government.

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Episode Highlights:

• [06:31] - How DHSC Is Leveraging Procurement to Save Big: Driving digital transformation in procurement at DHSC goes down to focusing on compliance with regulations while leveraging technology for strategic outcomes. The main priority for the team is to create efficient workflows and templates to ensure compliance, enabling them to gather aggregate data that reveals opportunities and risks in the supply chain. Success is measured through tough targets, adoption rates, and significant savings, like the £34 million identified from contract aggregation.
  
  
• [12:20] - Why Data Is Key for Smart Procurement Strategies: Harnessing quality data is essential for driving effective strategies and minimising risks. Without solid data, businesses face significant challenges in predicting potential issues. Implementing the right controls and using data-driven insights allows procurement teams to enhance their sourcing and supplier management efforts. Travis also notes that good data is key for making informed decisions, such as optimising team sizes and understanding spending trends.

• [19:10] - Innovating Within Regulatory Frameworks: To successfully introduce innovative practices in procurement within a regulatory framework, it's essential to strike a balance between compliance and creativity. Leveraging technology like automation can streamline processes while ensuring adherence to standards. Engaging commercial teams with training programs on new regulations empowers them and fosters excitement for the opportunities these changes present.

• [32:37] - How AI Is Set to Transform Public Procurement: AI is poised to revolutionise public procurement, enhancing efficiency and outcomes by leveraging advanced data analysis, automating documentation tasks, and enabling professionals to focus on strategic value. However, for this transformation to succeed, we need high-quality data, widespread adoption among users, and robust security measures to protect sensitive information.

Episode Resources:

• Travis Crouch on LinkedIn
• UK Department of Health and Social Care Website
• Government Commercial Function Website

Powering Procurement is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Join hosts Sian Lloyd and Gareth Burch on Powering Procurement, a podcast by Atamis, as they dive into the evolving world of procurement. Hear from industry leaders and innovators on how digital technologies, AI, and data-driven decisions are reshaping the field. Get actionable strategies to enhance your procurement processes and stay ahead of the curve. Subscribe now and don't miss an episode! Powering Procurement is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Powering Procurement, hosts Sian Lloyd and Gareth Burch are joined by Savita Mace, the Chief Procurement Officer for University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Together they explore the critical role of risk management in procurement, the transformative impact of technology, and the importance of mentoring the next generation of professionals. 

As the Chief Procurement Officer at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSFT), Savita leads a team of eighty procurement and supply professionals who deliver value for money, quality, and efficiency across the health system. With over twenty years of experience in procurement and supply chain management, Savita has directed world-class procurement functions for global companies such as AstraZeneca, Roche, and Sony, driving and accelerating business growth and innovation.

Savita is passionate about developing and mentoring the next generation of procurement leaders, and she shares her expertise and insights as a visiting lecturer and course mentor at University of Sussex and Durham University. She is also the UK representative of the Membership Committee at CIPS - The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, the leading professional body for procurement and supply chain management. She holds a Master's degree in Strategic Procurement from University of South Wales, and is a chartered fellow of CIPS. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Also, rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, we appreciate all feedback from our listeners.

Episode Highlights:

• [13:11] The Humbling Experience of Public Sector Procurement - Savita discusses her transition from the private sector to the NHS, describing it as a humbling experience that deepened her understanding of accountability in procurement. She says  that “This is the real world. This is the most vulnerable people”, emphasising the critical role her position plays in ensuring that patients receive necessary care and services. This shift brought her closer to the end-users of her work, forcing her to confront the pressures of timely supply chain management and the impact of procurement decisions on patient outcomes. Savita’s experience underscores the importance of being directly connected to the customers served and understanding the real-world implications of procurement decisions.
  
  
• [27:48] Importance of Adaptability and Self-Reflection in Leadership - In today's fast-paced environment, effective leadership in procurement necessitates a commitment to adaptability and self-reflection. Savita emphasises the significance of checking in with one's resilience and energy levels to avoid overstretching oneself and letting down both professional responsibilities and personal commitments. This proactive approach fosters a supportive team culture where members feel empowered to express their challenges and collaborate on solutions. Furthermore, maintaining a forward-looking perspective enables leaders to stay informed about evolving legislation, such as the CS Triple D EU regulations, which impact supply chain management and corporate responsibility. Savita asserts that understanding these developments not only aids compliance but also contributes to improving living standards, showcasing a leader’s role in driving positive change within their organisation and beyond. 
  
  
• [33:05] Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity - Savita articulates that embracing a "fail fast" mentality is crucial in procurement, as it fosters a culture of innovation and learning. She underscores the need for organisations to view failure not as a setback but as an essential component of growth and development. This approach encourages teams to experiment and iterate without fear, leading to quicker problem-solving and adaptability in response to challenges. Moreover, by engaging in quality circles that promote collective learning from mistakes, procurement professionals can enhance collaboration and resilience. As Savita points out, failure is inevitable, but the key lies in how organisations respond—by failing fast, learning quickly, and moving forward with renewed insights.

• [49:00] Technology's Role in Procurement - Savita highlights the transformative power of technology in procurement, particularly in managing reputational risk and enhancing decision-making through data analytics. She emphasises that utilising sentiment data can protect organisations from aligning with companies that pose a reputational threat, whether due to cultural misalignment or negative media coverage. This approach not only influences purchasing decisions but also impacts share prices, illustrating how critical it is for procurement professionals to leverage technology for comprehensive risk assessment and informed decision-making. She remembers evaluating craft sentiment data software using 400 different data points to generate one report in about 2 minutes, and highlights how that would be near impossible to do on pen and paper. 

Episode Resources:

• Powering Procurement is bought to you by https://atamis.co.uk/
• Savita Mace on LinkedIn
• University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Website

Powering Procurement is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Powering Procurement, hosts Sian Lloyd and Gareth Burch are joined by John Wallace, Director of Procurement at Clarion Housing Group. Together, they navigate procurement challenges in social housing, how Clarion is driving social value beyond cost, the role of sustainability in social housing procurement, and how procurement can drive innovation.

In his role, John leads the procurement strategy for an organisation that provides homes for 350,000 people and builds over 2,000 new homes annually. His work is central to Clarion’s mission of addressing the housing crisis by ensuring the delivery of affordable homes and improving communities across the country.

John brings over 35 years of procurement experience from both the public and private sectors, having held senior positions across healthcare, housing, and F&B. His previous roles include Procurement Director at Metropolitan Thames Valley and Head of Procurement at Anchor Trust.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Also, rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, we appreciate all feedback from our listeners 🙂

Episode Highlights:

• [14:36] - Driving Value in Social Housing: Balancing cost reduction with core values is crucial in social housing. John highlights the importance of integrating sustainability, social value, and effective contract management into procurement strategies, as well as focusing on developing commercial skills and understanding market dynamics. As the industry shifts, this is an opportunity for procurement teams to respond proactively, ensuring they contribute significantly to their organisations and communities.
  
  
• [25:08] - Mastering Compliance in the New Procurement Act: Compliance with the new Procurement Act 2023 is essential for housing associations, but it can be a challenge. To succeed despite the new administrative requirements, procurement teams should focus on streamlining processes to free up resources for strategic initiatives. To enhance procurement outcomes without losing momentum, organisations must stay proactive and be transparent.
  
  
• [33:35] - The Role of Sustainability in Social Housing Procurement: Sustainability in the social housing sector is becoming increasingly important, especially in procurement. Organisations like Clarion are taking significant steps to understand and reduce their carbon footprints by focusing on new builds and repairs. Collaborating closely with sustainability teams, they integrate sustainability criteria into their procurement processes, ensuring that projects, like property regeneration, align with environmental goals.
  
  
• [46:22] - How Procurement Can Drive Change: Procurement plays a key role in driving innovation within organisations, acting as a catalyst rather than an incubator. To foster innovation, it's essential to break down silos and encourage open collaboration across various teams, from sustainability to compliance. This means shifting from traditional requests for information to requests for outcomes, focusing on the desired results.

Episode Resources:

• Powering Procurement is bought to you by https://atamis.co.uk/
• John Wallace on LinkedIn
• Clarion Housing Group Website

Powering Procurement is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Powering Procurement, hosts Sian Lloyd and Gareth Burch are joined by Filip Leonard, Group Head of Supply Chain, Procurement, and Social Value at Maximus UK. Together, they dive into the strategic changes Filip is spearheading at Maximus and what he envisions for the future of procurement.

With over a decade of experience in both the public and private sectors, Filip has led transformative procurement initiatives, playing a key role in revolutionising how procurement is approached at Maximus. Under his leadership, Maximus has implemented cutting-edge procurement technology, driving greater efficiency, risk management, and social value within their supply chain.

Filip’s experience extends to not only the operational challenges of large-scale procurement but also the ethical side, where he’s been instrumental in embedding policies such as the Real Living Wage across Maximus’ supply chain. His focus on sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility has made him a leading voice in procurement transformation.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out. Also, rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, we appreciate all feedback from our listeners.

Episode Highlights:

• [09:03] - Turning Data Chaos into Clarity: Switching to a single source of truth has transformed Maximus' procurement approach from reactive to proactive. By centralising data, Filip and his team eliminated countless hours lost to spreadsheets and manual tracking, freeing them to focus on strategic, value-driven decisions. Now, the team is able to monitor renewals and risk alerts in real time, enabling mature discussions with stakeholders and allowing them to spot and address issues early.
  
  
• [14:36] - Ethics Meets Efficiency: Aligning social value and cost-efficiency in procurement doesn't have to be a trade-off. Engaging with suppliers, sharing your organisation's values, and working together to find solutions allow you to reduce costs while advancing responsible business practices. Moreover, this approach attracts like-minded vendors, supports talent retention, and helps the company align with future legislation.

• [30:50] - Staying Ahead of Supply Chain Risks: Maximus has embraced data-driven procurement transformation to stay ahead of supply chain risks. Leveraging dashboards that highlight trends instead of just historical data offers Maximus the possibility to proactively identify potential risks with vendors, such as financial issues or operational changes. This enables more informed, risk-focused conversations with suppliers, leading to better responses and quicker identification of emerging threats.

Episode Resources:

• Powering Procurement is brought to you by https://atamis.co.uk/
• How Atamis is supporting public bodies through to TPP go live https://atamis.co.uk/public-procurement-reform/
• Filip Leonard on LinkedIn
• Maximus UK Website

Powering Procurement is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Powering Procurement, hosts Sian Lloyd and Gareth Burch sit down with sustainability expert Oliver Hurrey to explore the intersection of procurement and environmental responsibility. They discuss supplier engagement, data-driven solutions for scope three emissions, AI’s role in sustainability, and the importance of biodiversity. Tune in to discover how procurement professionals can drive real-world change.

Oliver Hurrey is a leading voice in sustainable procurement and the founder of Galvanised. He is known for driving key initiatives including the Sustainable Procurement Pledge, the Scope 3 Peer Group, and the Nature and Biodiversity Peer Group. With over 20 years of experience bridging sustainability and procurement, he has become instrumental in helping organisations turn ambitious environmental goals into measurable progress. As a trusted advisor and collaboration catalyst, Oliver specialises in developing practical frameworks for tackling scope three emissions, implementing science-based targets, and fostering effective supply chain partnerships.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. Also, rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, we appreciate all feedback from our listeners.
Episode Highlights:

• 10:34 - Rethinking Supplier Engagement Strategy
  
  

Oliver emphasizes that supplier engagement remains the top challenge in sustainable procurement for the past five years. He warns against the common pitfall of overwhelming suppliers with endless surveys and engagement events that don't lead to meaningful action. Instead, procurement professionals should focus on empathizing with suppliers' capabilities and challenges while streamlining data requests. The key is to move beyond mere data collection to driving actual change and improvement. Procurement teams should consider what they'll actually do with the information before requesting it. This approach helps build stronger supplier relationships while achieving concrete sustainability goals.

• 31:52 - True Collaboration vs. Surface-Level Engagement 
  
  

Oliver distinguishes between different levels of supplier interaction: communication (talking at suppliers), engagement (talking with suppliers), and true collaboration (doing things together). He illustrates this with examples from the automotive industry, where companies collectively help suppliers access renewable energy. Procurement professionals should focus on creating tangible joint initiatives rather than just having discussions. The key is to move beyond traditional supplier management to create mutual value through active partnership.

• 36:37 - Three Keys to Successful Collaboration
  
  

Oliver outlines three essential principles for effective collaboration in procurement: first, be prepared to take action rather than just talk; second, clearly define areas of competition versus collaboration with peers; and third, start with obvious quick wins to build momentum. He emphasizes that many organizations waste time in endless meetings when they should focus on implementing obvious solutions. This framework helps procurement teams move from discussion to meaningful action while maintaining appropriate competitive boundaries.

Episode Resources:

• Powering Procurement is brought to you by https://atamis.co.uk/
• How Atamis is supporting public bodies through to TPP go live https://atamis.co.uk/public-procurement-reform/
• Oliver Hurrey on LinkedIn
• Galvanised on LinkedIn

Powering Procurement is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Powering Procurement, hosts Sian Lloyd and Gareth Burch sit down with Chris McLellan, Group Head of Procurement at Admiral Group, Wales’ only FTSE 100 company. Together, they explore critical challenges in modern procurement risk management.

What You’ll Learn

• How to balance speed and due diligence through effective supplier segmentation and risk classification
• Why technology platforms are transforming supplier due diligence and risk monitoring
• The strategic approach to managing cybersecurity risks through supplier assessment and data protection
• How to develop effective contingency plans for critical suppliers using business continuity planning
• How procurement teams can leverage data and technology to anticipate and mitigate global supply chain disruptions
  
  

With over 25 years of experience spanning both public and private sectors, Chris has led significant procurement initiatives across organizations, including Cardiff Council and Atebion Solutions. His expertise in supplier governance, contract strategy, and procurement resilience has been particularly valuable in navigating today's complex risk landscape.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. Also, rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, we appreciate all feedback from our listeners.

Episode Highlights:

• 13:46 - Leveraging Technology to Streamline Risk Assessment
  
  

Procurement can't navigate today's complex landscape with outdated maps. Chris highlights the importance of using advanced technology as procurement's GPS, guiding teams swiftly through risk assessments. From AI-driven due diligence platforms to real-time supplier risk analytics, these digital tools help teams stay agile, reduce administrative burden, and shift the focus from reactive troubleshooting to proactive risk management.

• 18:04 - Cybersecurity Resilience in Procurement
  
  

Cybersecurity isn't a luxury anymore; it's procurement's oxygen mask in turbulent times. Chris outlines Admiral's rigorous approach to supplier cybersecurity, highlighting proactive assessments, supplier transparency, and shared accountability. Just as airline pilots meticulously check their aircraft systems before takeoff, procurement teams must carefully vet suppliers' cyber defenses.

• 25:30 - Managing Geopolitical Risks and Supply Chain Uncertainty
  
  

Geopolitical events are storms on the horizon. Teams must remain vigilant, continually monitoring global developments and adjusting their sourcing strategies accordingly. Chris recommends dual sourcing, strategic partnerships, and sophisticated data analytics to weather these challenges. Just as expert sailors constantly adjust their sails to shifting winds, procurement must pivot rapidly and strategically to maintain stability, ensuring the organization stays on course despite global uncertainty.

Episode Resources:

• Powering Procurement is brought to you by https://atamis.co.uk/
• How Atamis is supporting public bodies through to TPP go live https://atamis.co.uk/public-procurement-reform/
• Chris Mclellan on LinkedIn
• Admiral Group Website

Powering Procurement is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Powering Procurement, hosts Sian Lloyd and Travis Crouch sit down with Milind Tailor, Global Head of Resale Products and Services Procurement at Diebold Nixdorf. Together, they navigate "The 4 P's of Procurement" framework: Purpose, People, Planet, and Performance, as well as how AI, sustainability, and skill transformation are reshaping the function.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to elevate procurement from cost-saving to strategic value creation
• Why procurement professionals need to develop new skills in orchestration, digital fluency, change leadership, and influence
• The "Total Impact Mindset" framework for measuring procurement success
• Why sustainability should be viewed as an insurance policy rather than a cost center
• How AI is freeing procurement teams from transactional tasks to focus on strategic value creation
  
  

Milind is a thought leader in AI, supplier collaboration, and the future of procurement. With an engineering background and a master's in supply chain and operations, he has transformed procurement from a traditional cost-saving function into a strategic powerhouse. In his role, Milind oversees operations across 60+ countries, managing $1Bn+ in spend while driving efficiency, resilience, and innovation.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. Also, rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, we appreciate all feedback from our listeners.

Episode Highlights:

• 15:26 - The Four Ps of Procurement
  
  

Procurement's role is no longer just about cutting costs; it's about creating real business value. Milind introduces the Four Ps of Procurement: Purpose, People, Planet, and Performance. Like a flight crew ensuring a safe journey, procurement must work in harmony across departments to guide the business toward long-term success. That means shifting from being reactive cost controllers to proactive strategic copilots, championing innovation, sustainability, and growth while staying aligned with the company's bigger goals.

• 29:59 - What Future-Ready Talent Looks Like
  
  

Procurement professionals need more than just the basics. Negotiation and supplier management still matter, but the future-ready talent goes further. They're collaborators, change leaders, tech-savvy orchestrators, and skilled influencers. It's about synchronizing moving parts, understanding and applying new technologies, leading transformation, and inspiring others. Organizations can build this talent by combining apprenticeships, internal development, and job rotations that let people explore, grow, and shine across the business.

• 37:34 - Sustainability vs. Business Pressure
  
  

Procurement has a critical role to play in sustainability, but it's not without challenges. The key shift? Stop thinking in terms of just cost, and start thinking in terms of impact. Sustainable choices might seem expensive upfront, but they're an investment in long-term resilience. To make it work, we need better visibility across the entire supply chain and that means leveraging tech like AI, blockchain, and ESG dashboards. Just as important, align procurement KPIs with sustainability goals.

Episode Resources:

• Powering Procurement is brought to you by https://atamis.co.uk/
• How Atamis is supporting public bodies through to TPP go live https://atamis.co.uk/public-procurement-reform/
• Milind Tailor on LinkedIn
• Diebold Nixdorf Website

Powering Procurement is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Powering Procurement, hosts Sian Lloyd and Travis Crouch sit down with Sabrina Kelly, Contracts Management Specialist and Founder and Managing Director of B Plus Management Consultancy. Together, they explore the delicate balance between supplier collaboration and performance accountability, the transformative potential of AI in contract management, and practical strategies for building more inclusive procurement teams.

Sabrina has worked with suppliers and corporations across public and private sectors, helping them navigate the complexities of contract performance, risk mitigation, and supplier collaboration. Sabrina is also a Senior Contracts Manager for the UK Ministry of Justice, with a career spanning healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and government procurement.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future episodes. Also, rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, we appreciate all feedback from our listeners.
Episode Highlights:

• 07:06 - Breaking Barriers to Innovation
  
  

Understanding the business is the key to unlocking innovation and effective procurement. Without that deep understanding, organizations can struggle to move forward. Bringing the right, diverse voices to the table fosters creative solutions and removes roadblocks. Procurement plays a key role in aligning supplier relationships with broader objectives by setting clear expectations before contracts are signed. A proactive, collaborative approach ensures businesses stay agile, accountable, and positioned for long-term success.

• 16:09 - AI and Digital Transformation in Procurement
  
  

AI is transforming procurement and contract management, making processes more efficient by handling complex documents and ensuring accuracy. While AI tools can automate tasks like contract analysis and bid responses, human interaction remains essential for strategic discussions and relationship management. Organizations adopting AI must navigate challenges like employee resistance and job security concerns. The key is to balance AI for efficiency while upskilling teams and ensuring people feel engaged and valued in the transition.

• 22:03 - Driving Inclusion and Mentorship in Procurement
  
  

True diversity and inclusion require more than good intentions; they demand real, sustained action. Organizations must go beyond surface-level efforts and genuinely embrace inclusive practices, from diverse hiring panels to meaningful mentorship programs. When companies create space for underrepresented talent to be seen, heard, and supported, the impact is profound for the entire industry.

Episode Resources:

• Powering Procurement is brought to you by https://atamis.co.uk/
• How Atamis is supporting public bodies through to TPP go live https://atamis.co.uk/public-procurement-reform/
• Sabrina Kelly on LinkedIn

Powering Procurement is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Powering Procurement, host Sian Lloyd is joined by Harinder Bansal, Head of Procurement and Third Party Risk Management at Motability Operations.

Harinder has built his career across retail, pharma, consulting and now one of the UK’s largest fleet operators, supporting more than 800,000 disabled customers.

Beyond procurement and risk, he also leads Motability’s Reach Network, championing equity and inclusion, and serves as Chair of Steps Charity. His work sits at the intersection of purpose, innovation and sustainability.

Together, Sian and Harinder explore how procurement teams can drive genuine environmental and social impact, from embedding ESG into supplier relationships to championing circular economy practices.

Harinder also shares candid insights on setting ambitious net zero targets, building psychological safety in teams, and why diversifying experience beyond procurement can strengthen leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Motability is using its scale to embed ESG and lead the way on sustainability.

• Practical approaches for balancing cost pressures with long-term social and environmental value.

• The role of data in managing Scope 3 emissions and shaping supplier transparency.

• Why networks like Reach matter for building inclusive workplaces.

• How charitable and community work can shape leadership style.

If you’re interested in the future of procurement as a driver of change - not just savings - this episode is a must-listen.