UKGC Discloses Contract Framework Data
A Freedom of Information request reveals details of the regulator's procurement processes, enhancing transparency on its spending.
The UK Gambling Commission has released details clarifying its procurement practices following a Freedom of Information request. The data connects a specific contract to its overarching framework agreement, offering greater transparency into how the regulator spends its funds.
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Regulator Provides Full Disclosure on Procurement
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has released information detailing its procurement processes in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request dated 21 February 2023. The disclosure provides a clearer picture of how the regulator awards contracts for essential services, reinforcing public accountability.
The request sought to identify the specific procurement framework used for a contract awarded by the Commission. The UKGC provided a full disclosure, completing a spreadsheet with the missing details.
Why This Data Matters
As the regulatory body for gambling in Great Britain, the UKGC is funded by the licence fees paid by gambling operators. It uses these funds to procure a wide range of services, including research into gambling harms, legal advice, and IT infrastructure.
Understanding how the UKGC spends this money is crucial for public and industry oversight. This FOI disclosure, while technical, demonstrates a commitment to transparency and allows for scrutiny of the Commission's commercial relationships and adherence to public procurement regulations.
Breakdown of the Request
The individual who filed the request had identified a specific contract but could not find the parent agreement it was awarded from. They asked the UKGC to clarify two key pieces of information:
- The title of the framework agreement used.
- A link to the framework agreement on public procurement portals like Contracts Finder or TED (Tenders Electronic Daily).
The requester noted the possibility that the contract was not a 'call-off' from a framework but a direct award. They asked the UKGC to specify the procurement method used.
In procurement terms:
- A framework agreement is an overarching arrangement with one or more suppliers that establishes the terms for future contracts.
- A call-off contract is a specific order placed against an established framework agreement, which is often a more efficient way to procure goods and services.
The UKGC's response confirmed it had supplied the requested information, effectively connecting the individual contract to the larger procurement framework it belongs to.
Significance for the Industry
By providing a 'Full disclosure', the Commission has affirmed its compliance with transparency laws governing public bodies. This process allows observers to track how the regulator allocates its resources to fulfil its statutory duties, from commissioning research that shapes policy to acquiring the technology needed for enforcement.
For consumers, this level of transparency ensures that the body responsible for making gambling safer and fairer is itself held to a high standard of public accountability. It confirms that the mechanisms for questioning and scrutinising the regulator's operational spending are functioning as intended under the Freedom of Information Act.