Winter Newsletter Foreward

Welcome to the 2024 Winter Edition of the EPS Newsletter

As another year draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to thank the EPS team for all their hard work, dedication, and commitment. However, we have not been allowed to rest on our laurels, as 2024 has proved to be an incredibly busy but rewarding year.

This edition highlights some of the wonderful work undertaken by our team throughout 2024:
• September: The Laboratory and Agriculture and Veterinary Category Council members were treated to a tour of the newly opened Forensic Science Ireland building. It was a great opportunity for members to observe the laboratories at work and to gain an insight into the facility.
• October: The EPS team travelled to Athlone for the Annual ESBS/ETBI Finance & Procurement Conference. The conference allowed EPS to not only share our insights but also to connect with industry peers and engage with EPS stakeholders.
• Also in October, EPS was shortlisted for the ‘Sustainable Procurement Team of the Year’ award. A vast amount of hard work went into this year’s submission; the recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable procurement practices. Well done to everyone involved!
• The OGP Client Conference took place in the historic Dublin Castle, with the theme of ‘Enhancing Public Procurement’. Many interesting discussions and panels were held regarding public procurement in Ireland, especially relating to Green and Social Procurement.

Before I sign off, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
It promises to be another exciting year for EPS, and I welcome all the exciting opportunities, as well as the challenges, that come our way in 2025.

Kind Regards,
Philip

Philip Gurnett
Director, Education Procurement Service and Head of Sourcing, Education