John Walker

WhatDoTheyKnow.com
By Email

Charity Commission Direct

PO Box 1227, Liverpool L69 3UG

t: 01823 345108

f: 01823 345001

Your Ref:

Our Ref:

Date: 14 September 2009

Dear Mr Walker,

Thank you for your email dated 14th August where you requested information regarding Common Purpose training courses undertaken by the Commission's staff since 1997.

Having carried out a full search of our records, I have established that we do not hold the information you requested.

I am able to confirm that no service contracts have been entered into with Common Purpose, therefore no competitive tendering process was completed. Three staff members attended the Common Purpose Matrix Programme and one member of staff attended a conference held by Common Purpose. Invoice details for these courses have been made available under a previous freedom of information request and are posted on the website of whatdotheyknow.com.

I am satisfied that all public sector procurement legal requirements were met and that competitive tendering was not a requirement for the training provided by Common Purposes. The courses provided by Common Purpose were in response to individual staff members requests for training. Individual members of staff can apply to undertake courses identified by them that are relevant to their role; will assist in their development and be of benefit to the work of the Commission. Due to the value of these courses no competitive tendering process was required.

I trust that the above information answer your queries.

Regards,

Tanya Nathan

Head of Procurement

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