Connexin Academy and ESPO: A Success Story in Procurement Training

"We at ESPO are very happy with the service provided by Connexin Academy and hope to continue our working relationship for many years to come."

ESPO is one of the country’s largest public buying organisations (PBO), specialising in providing a wide range of goods and services to the public sector for over 40 years.

They are known for their comprehensive procurement solutions that support the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector operations. So, when it came time for ESPO to upskill their workforce, they chose one of the UK’s leading CIPS training providers: Connexin Academy.

For the past seven years, Connexin Academy has proudly collaborated with ESPO to deliver top-tier CIPS training to their staff. This long-standing partnership has ensured that ESPO employees receive the highest quality training, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in their roles.

Like most workplaces, employees at ESPO have different skill levels, so they need training programs which cover a range of job roles and career goals.

As a leading provider of CIPS training, Connexin Academy offers multiple levels of CIPS qualifications, perfectly matching ESPO's needs. This comprehensive approach allows employees to progress through different levels of training, ensuring that everyone receives training suited to their current level of expertise and career goals. In this case, employees completed Levels 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply Apprenticeships, Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply, and Level 6 Professional diploma in Procurement and Supply.

Having a team that has collectively completed Levels 4, 5, and 6 of CIPS qualifications is highly beneficial.

Employees with these credentials possess a well-rounded skill set. They begin with building capabilities to add value throughout the entire procurement cycle from Level 4, moving through to strategic thinking, risk management through the supply chain, category management, and managing procurement teams in the Level 5 Advanced Diploma. Finally, they develop high-level leadership and influence skills in global supply chains, with a deep understanding of financial performance and the ability to formulate and implement strategies at the highest level from the Level 6 Professional Diploma.

This training helps employees streamline procurement processes, negotiate better deals, manage supply chains more efficiently and help develop and implement smart procurement plans, leading to cost savings and smoother operations. Overall helping them do their jobs better and more efficiently.

Supporting their employees in getting these qualifications shows ESPO care about their team, their personal and professional development, job satisfaction and retention. And as a business it enhances ESPO’s reputation, attracts better business opportunities, and encourages innovation and continuous improvement, driving long-term success. Showing just how important it is to invest in training programs for employees.

Catherine Watson, practise manager at ESPO said:

‘Connexin academy provide exceptional customer service, respond promptly and go over and above to accommodate additional requests. ESPO’s managers feel supported, receive regular updates regarding learner performance and records of exam bookings and results.

The quality of teaching provided by Connexin Academy tutors is excellent. The tutors take care to understand each learner’s individual role and sector, and provide real-life examples from their own industry experience in order to contextualise the learning. They make themselves available at all times and encourage learners to make contact if they have trouble understanding any subject, right up to the exam date.The additional learning materials provided by Connexin Academy are a valuable, enabling learners to thoroughly prepare for their exams.'

Connexin Academy are immensely proud of the positive impact our training programmes have had on ESPO’s staff development and organisational success. We look forward to continuing this strong partnership with ESPO.

If you’re interested in upskilling and developing your team, get in touch with our team today.