The Platinum accreditation status from CIPS demonstrates the maximum value the utility company brings to customers and continues to pioneer leading-edge procurement practice within Scotland.

As the fourth largest water and wastewater service provider in the UK, with a £1.1 billion turnover, Scottish Water is one of the most important contract commissioners in Scotland.

The company is engaged in one of the largest investment programmes in the UK water industry, and 2016-17 was the second year of a six-year programme which will see more than £3.5bn invested in maintenance and further improvements to drinking water quality, while protecting the environment and supporting the Scottish economy.

Joe Rowan, general manager of Scottish Water’s procurement and supply chain, said the latest CIPS accreditation means the business remains among the very best in the world.

He said: “We are one of only 11 organisations worldwide to achieve this standard; the first in Scotland, the first public sector organisation and the first water company.

“This is a truly prestigious award and an achievement we can be proud of.

“This accreditation recognises that Scottish Water continues to demonstrate world-class standards of leadership, policies, processes and performance measurement in the areas of procurement and supply chain management.

“The retention of the award is recognition of the excellent work of the Procurement and Supply Chain team, providing a platform for them to play a key role in supporting Scottish Water’s Vision of being ‘Trusted to care for the water on which Scotland depends’.

“To retain the Platinum status, our leadership, policies, processes and performance measurement and management were assessed in-depth against world-class standards.

“The assessment and feedback on areas of improvement will allow Scottish Water to continue to advance its Procurement and Supply Chain management abilities to ensure maximum value is added to our customers and to continue to pioneer leading edge procurement practice in Scotland.”

Being a public utility, Scottish Water procurement and supply chain activities are regulated largely through legislation and need to comply with EU Procurement Legislation with the Utilities Directive.

Mr Rowan added that the Procurement and Supply Chain team have a hugely influential role within Scottish Water, driving value to the company, and ultimately domestic and business customers, by driving cost savings, promoting innovation, building positive relationships and providing market expertise and analysis.

Alan Martin, CIPS head of business solutions, congratulated Scottish Water on maintaining the award.

He said: “By maintaining the CIPS Procurement Excellence Advanced Standard Platinum Award in their processes, policies and procedures, Scottish Water continues to demonstrate that they are indeed world-class in procurement. Congratulations to everyone involved.

“It is clear that the organisation has strong governance in its processes and uses a combination of classic tools and methodologies together with new and innovative approaches to deliver value within the business.”

He added: “It is also encouraging to see that Scottish Water is not complacent in retaining this award, as they continue to drive changes towards best practice within their organisation rating.”