SPA head of procurement becomes CIPS fellow
Lesley Anderson, head of procurement for the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA), has been recognised for her contribution to the profession with Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) fellowship status.
A fellowship is the highest grade of CIPS membership; an accolade that recognises an outstanding level of achievement, knowledge and experience in procurement and supply, along with a drive and determination to enhance the profession for the public good.
Ms Anderson has more than 27 years’ experience of procurement in a variety of sectors, including the construction, gas and oil industries, and the public sector. She became a fully qualified member of CIPS in 2000 and achieved chartered status in 2019.
In her current role, she supports SPA’s director, Clive Feeney, in delivering the company’s business plan, managing a turnover of more than £250M and a client portfolio of over 100 contracting authorities throughout Scotland.
Ms Anderson also leads on SPA’s work with strategic partners, ensuring the company’s solutions not only meet its partners’ requirements, but also the Scottish Government’s Sustainable Procurement Duty, which encourages SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and opens up opportunities for all types and sizes of organisations to participate.
Mr Fenney said he was delighted Lesley’s achievements had been recognised by CIPS: “Her position within the Scottish procurement community has been fundamental to the success of SPA. She is respected and trusted, not only by her colleagues, but also by her peers throughout the Scottish housing and construction sectors.
“Since joining us, she has developed and implemented many added value services for our partners, including a full call-off service, and championed our first blended procurement solution comprising a framework and Dynamic Purchasing System. She has also led on the drive to engage with our partners so that we understand what they need from our frameworks, and make sure their specific requirements are included in our final product.”
Lesley Anderson added: “Fellowship is a reflection of the highest procurement professional achievement and recognition of leadership. Keeping myself accredited to the highest standard ensures I keep my skills up-to-date and gives me the confidence to know I am at the top of my professional game. I am currently in discussion with the CIPS West of Scotland branch with a view to joining their committee.”