The government’s timber procurement advice body has beefed up its communications by adding a new “policy update” section to its website.
The new feature on the Central Point for Expertise for Timber Procurement’ (CPET) website, www.ProForest.et/cpet, provides detailed information on the change in government timber procurement policy due to take place in 2009.
It also explains Category A and B compliance evidence, Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade, how recycled timber is dealt with in procurement issues and short rotation coppice.
“Putting another section on the website spelling out the difference between the current and new policy is a way of raising awareness among people,” said Sofie Tindnielsen, CPET project co-ordinator.
CPET’s recently published construction sector study urges improved awareness of central government timber procurement policy among public body procurement staff. Many government departments were found to be not following the official policy, with some effectively formulating their own.
CPET is also organising workshops for anyone involved in trying to comply with the policy – public body procurement officers, timber suppliers and contractors. The initial workshop in London on October 27 will be followed by events in Bristol on November 21, Manchester on December 3 & 4, Newcastle on December 10, Leeds on December 11 & 12, with further meetings arranged for January.
