The Society of Procurement Officers in Local Government (SOPO) engages in a range of activities to promote its strategic purchasing, contracting and supplies functions.

Representing over 3300 members, SOPO provides area networks and forums and produces guidance on best practice.

Its aim is to advise local authorities throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on all purchasing and supplies matters of national/general interest, and represent its members on other bodies to promote the society and its aims.

Through membership of SOPO, procurement officers join together to share best practice and influence the national agenda on how "Best Value" is to be achieved.

*Click on a numbered area of the map above to view SOPO contact details for that area.

MEMBERSHIP

Full Membership

Individual Membership of SOPO is free and open to all local government officers who spend the greater part of their time on procurement and supplies within metropolitan districts, London boroughs, shire counties, shire districts, English unitary authorities, Welsh unitary authorities, single service authorities (police, fire and transportation authorities) and local authorities in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Full SOPO Members can enjoy the following:-

• Free procurement guidances (valued at £12)
• Access to e-tendering services
• Free copy of the SOPO Yearbook (valued at £199)
• Weekly e-newsletter
• Free supplier selection list services
• Online help service
• Procurement events diary
• Discussion forum
• Daily updated procurement newsdesk
• Discounted rates for SOPO events
• Free licence to BiP Solutions’ e-notice service Project (click here for further details)

Elected Member Membership

Elected Member membership is open to all elected members with an interest in local government procurement, particularly those who have Portfolio and Scrutiny responsibility for the activity.

Elected Member benefits include:

• Free copy of the SOPO Yearbook (valued at £199)
• Discounted places at SOPO events
• Members interactive website – the SOPO Virtual Clubhouse
• Weekly email
• Elected Members Forum
• Members minutes
• Support from colleagues with similar interests
• Support from other elected members
• Free Procurement Guidances
• Training opportunities
• Benchmarking opportunities
• Access to e-tendering services
• Access to contract notice search service
• Regional networking opportunities
• Free supplier selection list services
• Online help service

Annual Elected Membership is FREE

Associate Membership

Associate Membership is open to local government officers in authorities who do not spend the greater part of their time working on procurement activity but have an interest in ensuring that their procurement activities offer value for money.

Associate SOPO Member benefits include:

• Free procurement guidances (valued at £12)
• Benchmarking opportunities
• Discounted places at SOPO events
• Free copy of the SOPO Yearbook (valued at £199)
• Interactive members website – the SOPO Virtual Clubhouse
• Networking with public procurement colleagues
• Free supplier selection list services

Associate Membership is FREE

Affiliate Membership

Affiliate Membership is open to an individual who, whilst not employed within a local authority, is employed within the wider public sector and has an interest in public procurement.

SOPO’s Affiliate members can enjoy:

• Training opportunities
• Benchmarking opportunities
• Members forum
• Regular procurement guidances
• Access to e-tendering services
• Free supplier selection list service
• Free copy of the SOPO Yearbook (valued at £199)
• Networking with public procurement colleagues

Cost: £80 per Annum

SOPO is a company limited by guarantee. Company number 4311839. Registered Office: 113-117 London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire LE2 0RG.