The Truth About Public Sector Host: Hannah Quinn-Hill Episode: Strategic Procurement with Nichola Cooke MCIPS

In this insightful episode, Hannah Quinn-Hill sits down with Nichola Cooke MCIPS, Acting Director at STAR Procurement, to explore the evolving landscape of public sector procurement. From her early career across councils and agencies to leading one of the UK’s most innovative shared services, Nichola shares her journey, leadership lessons, and the transformative power of collaboration.

Discover how STAR Procurement balances commercial ambition with social value, leverages data and technology for smarter decisions, and drives real impact for communities. Nichola also reflects on her roles as an LGA Peer Reviewer and trustee, offering advice for aspiring professionals and revealing one powerful truth about the public sector that everyone should know.

Whether you're a procurement leader, policy maker, or curious listener, this episode offers a compelling look into the challenges, opportunities, and future of public sector strategy.

In this inspiring episode of The Truth About Public Sector, we’re joined by Andrew Russell, Assistant Director - Procurement at Stonewater Housing. Andrew opens up about his career journey, the pivotal moments that shaped his path, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of procurement professionals.

We dive into the power of self-initiated learning, the value of returning to procurement fundamentals, and how Andrew fosters a culture of continuous growth within his team. He also shares insights into collaborative and commercially savvy procurement —highlighting how strategic sourcing and supplier engagement are delivering meaningful impact in housing and sustainability.

Whether you're new to procurement or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable lessons on leadership, purpose-driven strategy, and making a difference in the public sector.

In this insightful episode, Hannah Quinn-Hill sits down with Sally Hopkin, Head of Procurement at Community Health Partnerships to explore the realities of leading procurement in the public sector. From her journey into procurement and her passion for public service, to the strategic priorities shaping Community Health Partnerships, Sally shares candid reflections on the challenges, opportunities, and future of procurement in the NHS.

Tune in to hear about major initiatives, the power of collaboration through networks like the Procurement Directors’ Network, and what transformation might look like in the months ahead. Whether you're in the sector or simply curious about how public procurement works behind the scenes, this episode offers a grounded and inspiring look at leadership, innovation, and impact.

🔊 Listen now for practical insights and honest reflections from one of the sector’s leading voices.

In this fast-paced and practical episode, host Hannah Quinn-Hill explores one of the most pressing challenges in public sector procurement today: the widening skills gap. Despite more than half of employed adults in England and Wales holding qualifications that align with their roles, a staggering 79% of organizations are still facing procurement skill shortages.

Hannah examines why this gap exists—especially within the public sector—and what it means for the future of procurement governance and capability. From strategic thinking and negotiation to analytics and relationship management, the demand for well-rounded commercial skills has never been greater.

With insights from recent research, including findings from the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC) showing that nearly 1 in 5 public sector professionals are unfamiliar with innovation in procurement, this episode calls for urgent action in building teams that can thrive in the face of change.

Tune in for a sharp and insightful discussion on how to close the gap—and why doing so is critical to unlocking true public value.

In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector, host Hannah Quinn-Hill pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood corners of government: procurement.

Joining us is Mark Pearson, Learning and Development Lead at the Crescent Purchasing Consortium, a Chartered procurement pro who's on a mission to help public institutions buy smarter and lead better.

We explore the skills crisis in procurement, the power of digital transformation, and why ethical, sustainable procurement isn’t just a buzzword — it’s changing lives.

Mark shares surprising truths, busts persistent myths, and offers a compelling vision for the future of public sector buying. Whether you’re a procurement insider or just procurement-curious, this is one you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Hannah Quinn-Hill is joined by Marco Salzedo, Director of Commercial and Contract Management Capability at the Cabinet Office. Marco brings a wealth of experience in driving commercial excellence across government. Together, they delve into the evolution of public sector procurement, the challenges of enhancing commercial capability, and the transformative impact of the Procurement Act 2023.

They explore how these changes aim to simplify procurement processes, increase transparency, and deliver greater value for public services. Whether you're a seasoned procurement professional or new to the field, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of public sector procurement.

In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector, host Hannah Quinn-Hill engages in a compelling conversation with Graham Collins, Director of Proquest Consulting and Orbita Collaborative Analytics. Graham shares his transformative journey from leadership roles at multinational corporations like Diageo, Unilever, JP Morgan, and the National Australia Bank to founding his own ventures focused on enhancing public sector procurement.​

Discover how Graham's extensive corporate experience has shaped his innovative approach to procurement in local government. He delves into the key elements that contribute to procurement excellence, best practices for optimizing procurement functions, and the critical role of collaboration between local governments and suppliers.​

Graham also introduces Orbita Collaborative Analytics, a platform designed to address the unique needs of public sector procurement. Learn how Orbita has improved procurement processes for local governments by providing essential information and knowledge services to procurement, commissioning, and contract management professionals.​

In this episode of The Truth About Public Sector, host Hannah Quinn-Hill sits down with Natalia Silver, Director at Local Partnerships, to explore the evolving world of local government procurement. From navigating the biggest challenges facing councils today to the opportunities presented by the new Procurement Act, Natalia shares deep insight from years of experience across transformation and commercial functions in the public sector.

They also dive into the power of collaboration, the growing importance of social value, and what it takes to be a procurement leader in today’s complex environment. Whether you’re new to public procurement or a seasoned pro, this candid conversation is packed with practical wisdom, strategic advice, and a peek into the future of the sector.