Collective and individual failings to blame for £1.25m procurement payout
Collective and individual failings lay behind the Welsh Government having to pay £1.25m in compensation to a firm involved in a procurement dispute.
A letter to the Welsh Assembly public account committee from permanent secretary Sir Derek Jones said the “fruitless payment” had led to an investigation of the government staff concerned.
This had revealed “a number of collective and individual failings” centred on “poor information management and lack of oversight”, which weakened the Welsh Government’s position when it ultimately had to defend litigation by Triumph Furniture, the aggrieved bidder.
Sir Derek said no one had personally profited from events, but “management action” was in progress against those responsible.
The Welsh Government in November ordered a review after paying the compensation when flaws were found in a furniture procurement.
Mark Smulian
