Procuring consultants under the Public Spending Codecan be complex, with strict requirements around process, documentation andgovernance. This course gives you a clear understanding of how to approachconsultant procurement in line with the Code and the Capital Works ManagementFramework.
You will cover procurement strategy, tendering,contract structures and performance management, along with common complianceissues and audit findings that arise in practice.
By the end of the day, you will understand whereconsultant procurement typically goes wrong, what auditors and oversight bodieslook for, and how to avoid the mistakes that lead to delays, queries orfindings.
“The presenter’s logical approach to tackling what can be a very heavy and stressful admin activity helped me make better sense of what is important and the key areas to really focus on”
- Sharon O’Reilly, Medium Capital Projects Lead / Programme Manager
• The Public Spending Code lifecycle and where consultant procurement fits
• Key PSC requirements, thresholds, approvals and governance
• Strategic Assessment Reports, Business Cases and early-stage planning
• Common errors and audit findings at project setup stage
• How the CWMF applies to consultant procurement (Pillar 2)
• Choosing procurement routes, frameworks and design team structures
• Tendering consultants and required documentation (eTenders)
• Structuring consultant contracts, including scope, deliverables and payment terms
• Managing consultants post-appointment, including performance and disputes
• Common compliance issues, audit findings and best practice approaches
This is a must attend course for public and private sector organisations and those in roles such as procurement, consultancy, legal, academics, contract management, project management, buyers, category managers, bid managers to name just a few.
On completion of this one-day training course, you will receive your Certificate of Attendance. Please note certificates are issued at the close of the training course to participants on completion of the course.
This course may qualify for CPD points. Please check directly with your association or awarding body to see how many points they will award.
An ‘Early Bird’ discounted rate of €499 is currently available. This training course normal rate is €599. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. PLEASE NOTE THE EARLY BIRD RATE CLOSES 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO COURSE DATE. The course cost includes all course documentation and Certificate of Attendance.
The Public Spending Code is a set of rules and procedures that ensure value for money, transparency and accountability in how public funds are spent by Irish public bodies. It applies to all public expenditure planning, appraisal, evaluation and procurement processes, including the engagement of consultants for projects. Understanding these requirements helps organisations ensure compliance and good governance when procuring professional services.
The Code must be applied whenever a public body or organisation spending public funds is planning, evaluating or managing a project that involves external consultants. This includes capital development projects and other assignments where consultants are engaged to provide professional advice, design, specialist services or project support.
Key requirements include preparing an appropriate procurement strategy, documenting deliverables, ensuring transparency and competitive tendering where required, and applying the correct contract conditions. Procurement must align with the Capital Works Management Framework and any relevant templates or procedures set out in the Code.
The Code sets out guidelines for economic and financial appraisal, evaluation techniques and governance standards that help ensure public funds are used effectively. Applying its principles helps organisations justify decisions, compare proposals and demonstrate that consultant contracts deliver value for money.
All Irish public bodies and organisations in receipt of public funding must comply with the Code’s requirements when spending public money. This includes local authorities, state agencies and other funded entities, although private sector bodies may adopt similar best practice principles to support good governance.
Failing to follow the Code can lead to compliance issues, poor procurement outcomes, challenges in audits or quality assurance reports, and a lack of transparency or accountability in how consultants are engaged. Formal training helps procurement professionals avoid common pitfalls and understand how to embed the Code’s requirements in practice.
This training provides practical guidance on the Public Spending Code’s application to consultant procurement, including processes, templates and best practices for ensuring clear deliverables, timelines and contractual terms. It supports professionals in navigating the legal and regulatory framework with confidence.
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