Over the twelve years of its existence CBC has been instrumental in developing staff at all levels within its member organisations. Although some of this development is attributable to the networking and joint working that is at the heart of CBC, the provision of focused training is also core to its success.

CBC is a federation rather than an entity and, as such, its success has depended very much on the calibre of the staff it has put into the frame for the development of contracts and other joint initiatives. Over the last ten years an enormous measure of trust and mutual reliance has built up between individuals across CBC and forms the basis from which it is seeking to develop focused and effective training that can bring value both to CBC as well as the wider local government community.

The strategy for training is based on:

• CBC is primarily a buying consortium and prides itself on the quality of its purchasing. Professional training for procurement staff is therefore a basic plank of the training strategy

• CBC provides real opportunities for staff to develop networking and influencing skills. Exploiting opportunities for improving negotiation skills will be key to continuing success.

• CBC has the advantage of being composed of seventeen members, most of whom commission or carry out training of their procurement and support staff. CBC will co-ordinate and harness training initiatives across its membership to the benefit of all.

• CBC members have a large body of staff who are in the market for seminars and courses that add to their professional knowledge and development – the opportunity therefore exists to commission focused events that are relevant and cost-effective.

• CBC protocols underpin the working of the organisation and a proper programme of training in the protocols will ensure that CBC processes are consistent and professional. Such a programme will also provide networking opportunities for staff who are new to CBC.

• In order to support the delivery of the Byatt report CBC will seek ways of expanding training opportunities to smaller authorities within its membership.