The UK Procurement Act 2023 introduces a pivotal change for suppliers through the implementation of a centralised debarment regime. For businesses that regularly compete for public contracts, understanding this regime is essential to maintain eligibility and avoid permanent exclusion.
In this blog, we’ll break down what the debarment regime means, how it impacts suppliers, the exclusion criteria, and how Tender Consultants can help you stay compliant and competitive.
Table of Contents
The debarment regime is a new mechanism introduced under the Procurement Act 2023, enabling the UK government to maintain a central debarment list of suppliers deemed unsuitable to bid for public contracts. This list will be publicly accessible and regularly updated by the Debarment Authority, a new regulatory function designed to enforce supplier standards.
This approach replaces the fragmented exclusion practices across different contracting authorities and brings a consistent and transparent process to public procurement.
The central aim of the new regime is to improve the integrity, fairness, and transparency of the UK’s public procurement system. By identifying and excluding suppliers who have demonstrated serious or persistent misconduct, the government aims to:
The Procurement Act 2023 outlines both mandatory and discretionary exclusion grounds. Suppliers can be added to the debarment list based on the following criteria:
Contracting authorities are required to exclude suppliers listed under mandatory grounds and may choose to exclude those under discretionary grounds.
Being placed on the debarment list can have serious and long-lasting consequences:
Even if you’re not currently bidding for contracts, being on the debarment list could affect your ability to enter the public procurement space in the future.
Avoiding debarment means maintaining high standards across your operations. Here are some practical steps to take:
Ensure your business complies with all relevant legal, environmental, and labour regulations. Implement regular audits and reviews.
Maintain clear records of your business’s ethical practices, financial conduct, and contract performance.
Educate your teams on procurement risks and the importance of adhering to public sector standards.
Act quickly to rectify any contract performance issues and maintain open communication with clients.
At Tender Consultants, we understand the complexities of the UK procurement system. Our experts provide end-to-end support to help businesses navigate the new debarment regime and remain eligible for public contracts.
We also offer a powerful Online Tendering System to streamline bid management and track compliance status.
For more insights into UK procurement, visit our sister sites:
Conclusion
The debarment regime under the Procurement Act 2023 marks a significant shift in UK public procurement. Understanding how it works—and how to stay off the debarment list—is now essential for any supplier looking to secure public sector contracts.
Whether you’re a seasoned bidder or just entering the public market, Tender Consultants are here to ensure you stay compliant, competitive, and contract-ready.