Information for preferred suppliers
This section outlines information for preferred suppliers selected to provide professional planning and project management services to boards of trustees of state schools.
- Why does the Ministry need a preferred suppliers scheme?
To help state schools access school planning, project and property management consultancy services where availability of such services is a problem. Usually these are in semi-urban or in rural locations.
- Can I turn down work?
No. If a school approaches you and wishes to engage you to project manage a project or undertake the complete service, you cannot turn them down unless you are at capacity or you are outside the region for which you are a preferred supplier.
- Does being a preferred supplier guarantee me work?
No. The schools choose who they wish to work with and they make the final decision.
- Will our service be monitored and reviewed?
Yes. You will be required to report to the Ministry and the board on a regular basis. The Ministry will undertake regular reviews with both the school and yourself.
- My partner/spouse is on the board of trustees. What should I do?
You and your partner/spouse need to advise the board. The board needs to follow the Ministry’s requirements for managing conflicts of interest. Your partner/spouse may need to remove themselves from the board’s decision making process.
- Can I design and build?
No. If you are the preferred supplier and engaged to manage a building project then you can only tender for this part of the project. Your role is as a consultant.
- Who is my contact at the Ministry?
Your first point of contact should be the Network Facilitator in the local office who looks after that particular school you are engaged with.