Introduction

This chapter describes the emergence and development of the Centre for Partnering (CfP), a think tank that has been formed to explore the role and effect of partnering between different kinds of organisations from within the public, private and voluntary sectors. The research projects that the CfP will undertake include an examination of the role that procurement and commissioning of services has played and could play in the future of partnering. The research agenda is also focused on the value of partnering as it could impact on large scale infrastructure projects where social and other community (local and national) issues are addressed. The CfP agenda also addresses ‘wicked issues’, as identified as part of the consideration of the social determinants of health. The focus of this research is upon the value of establishing a legal framework through which prospective partners can enter into a dialogue to build trust and a relationship ahead of formal contract relationships.

Procurement, a city council perspective

The author's history and experiences over the past 40 years in the field of partnering have been many and varied. The author was called to the Bar in 1978 and initially worked with GEC Marconi in the field of contracts tendering and monitoring for the Ministry of Defence. In 1988, he was appointed as Director of Contract Services to Portsmouth City Council, and in 1991, he was appointed the council's Head of Businesses. From 1995 to 2019, he established a new-form Public Sector Plc (PSP). This chapter considers the various events that led to the formation of the CfP, its aim being to create a centre for excellence in research, development and implementation of innovative approaches to partnership working.

Beginning first in Marconi and then at Portsmouth City Council, over a period of seven years from 1998 to 1995, it became possible to evolve what came to be known as the Portsmouth City Business Group (PCBG). It was the culture that predominantly dictated this turn of events; indeed, the council's strapline at this time was ‘Portsmouth City Council means Business’.

In 1988, the council, in response to the Local Government Act and the introduction of compulsory competitive tendering (CCT), placed an advertisement for the recruitment of a Director of Contract Services.