In this fast-paced and practical episode, host Hannah Quinn-Hill explores one of the most pressing challenges in public sector procurement today: the widening skills gap. Despite more than half of employed adults in England and Wales holding qualifications that align with their roles, a staggering 79% of organizations are still facing procurement skill shortages.

Hannah examines why this gap exists—especially within the public sector—and what it means for the future of procurement governance and capability. From strategic thinking and negotiation to analytics and relationship management, the demand for well-rounded commercial skills has never been greater.

With insights from recent research, including findings from the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC) showing that nearly 1 in 5 public sector professionals are unfamiliar with innovation in procurement, this episode calls for urgent action in building teams that can thrive in the face of change.

Tune in for a sharp and insightful discussion on how to close the gap—and why doing so is critical to unlocking true public value.

In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector, host Hannah Quinn-Hill pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood corners of government: procurement.

Joining us is Mark Pearson, Learning and Development Lead at the Crescent Purchasing Consortium, a Chartered procurement pro who's on a mission to help public institutions buy smarter and lead better.

We explore the skills crisis in procurement, the power of digital transformation, and why ethical, sustainable procurement isn’t just a buzzword — it’s changing lives.

Mark shares surprising truths, busts persistent myths, and offers a compelling vision for the future of public sector buying. Whether you’re a procurement insider or just procurement-curious, this is one you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Hannah Quinn-Hill is joined by Marco Salzedo, Director of Commercial and Contract Management Capability at the Cabinet Office. Marco brings a wealth of experience in driving commercial excellence across government. Together, they delve into the evolution of public sector procurement, the challenges of enhancing commercial capability, and the transformative impact of the Procurement Act 2023.

They explore how these changes aim to simplify procurement processes, increase transparency, and deliver greater value for public services. Whether you're a seasoned procurement professional or new to the field, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of public sector procurement.

In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector, host Hannah Quinn-Hill engages in a compelling conversation with Graham Collins, Director of Proquest Consulting and Orbita Collaborative Analytics. Graham shares his transformative journey from leadership roles at multinational corporations like Diageo, Unilever, JP Morgan, and the National Australia Bank to founding his own ventures focused on enhancing public sector procurement.​

Discover how Graham's extensive corporate experience has shaped his innovative approach to procurement in local government. He delves into the key elements that contribute to procurement excellence, best practices for optimizing procurement functions, and the critical role of collaboration between local governments and suppliers.​

Graham also introduces Orbita Collaborative Analytics, a platform designed to address the unique needs of public sector procurement. Learn how Orbita has improved procurement processes for local governments by providing essential information and knowledge services to procurement, commissioning, and contract management professionals.​

In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector, host Hannah Quinn-Hill sits down with Natalia Silver, Director at Local Partnerships, to explore the evolving world of local government procurement. From navigating the biggest challenges facing councils today to the opportunities presented by the new Procurement Act, Natalia shares deep insight from years of experience across transformation and commercial functions in the public sector.

They also dive into the power of collaboration, the growing importance of social value, and what it takes to be a procurement leader in today’s complex environment. Whether you’re new to public procurement or a seasoned pro, this candid conversation is packed with practical wisdom, strategic advice, and a peek into the future of the sector.

Discover the transformative power of social value in public sector procurement in our latest episode of "The Truth about Public Sector" podcast. We sit down with Michael McLaughlin, Group Social Value Manager at LHC Procurement Group, who brings over two decades of experience in social housing and community development. Michael has been instrumental in embedding social value into procurement practices, ensuring that projects not only meet economic objectives but also deliver tangible benefits to communities. In this insightful conversation, Michael shares his journey, the significance of social value in today's public sector landscape, and practical strategies for measuring and implementing impactful initiatives. Whether you're a procurement professional, policymaker, or simply passionate about community development, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating meaningful change through procurement.

Welcome back to The Truth About Public Sector with me, Hannah Quinn-Hill! This week, I’m joined by Darren Lowe, MCIPS, Managing Director of Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC), for an eye-opening conversation on public sector frameworks, procurement changes, and the impact of the Procurement Act 2023.

What’s inside this episode? The role of CPC in supporting education & beyond. How framework agreements drive value, compliance & efficiency. The impact of the Procurement Act 2023 on frameworks & public procurement. Key trends, challenges & opportunities in the sector. The future of sustainable & digital procurement

If you’re in public sector procurement, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss!

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping procurement in the housing sector. With rising costs, sustainability demands, and increasing regulatory pressures, how can procurement leaders drive efficiency, value, and innovation?

Joining Hannah Quinn-Hill is Emma Briggs, Director of Procurement and Sustainability, to share her expert insights on: The biggest procurement challenges in housing today, The role of strategic commercial procurement in delivering better outcomes, Embedding sustainability and social value into procurement strategies ,The future of procurement in an evolving sector.

Whether you're in procurement, housing, or just passionate about smarter public sector strategies, this episode is full of valuable insights you won’t want to miss!