The launch of the National Procurement Strategy in 2003 and the setting of a target efficiency gain of £6.45 billion were significant landmarks for local government. Nine Regional Centres of Excellence (RCEs) were established to support the implementation of the National Procurement Strategy and the delivery of council efficiency targets that were originally highlighted in Sir Peter Gershon's report, Releasing resources to the front line, an independent review of public sector efficiency.
The RCEs are owned and managed by local government and have been established with support from the Government, CLG, and the Local Government Association (LGA). Each RCE is hosted by a local authority and each has its own governance structure with Management Boards and Member Forums. This enables authorities from across the region to play an active part. In addition each RCE has its own business plan to deliver, however they are all a key delivery mechanism for improving procurement, partnering, efficiency and service delivery across local government. They act as the first line of support and guidance on procurement, partnering and efficiency for authorities in the region.