Technical Background Information to accompany DfE and EA spend using Government Procurement Cards over £500

These notes accompany the reports which show all the Department for Education’s (DfEs) and its Executive Agencies’ (EAs) spend using Government Procurement Cards (GPC). It provides information on the policy, procedures and administration of the GPC programme. 

Background Information 
GPC is a Visa based purchasing and payments system (not a credit card). It is designed to be simple to use, easy to control and to speed up the process of obtaining goods and services. It reduces the costs of obtaining low value (less than £1,000) goods and services. 

J.P. Morgan is the card issuer for Department for Education. 

GPC Key Benefits:
What are the benefits of GPC?
* Access to data to help monitor spend and budgets more effectively 
* Reducing the number of invoices. Card transactions are consolidated and paid centrally, with no risk of interest charges 
* Saves money and delivers efficient processes 
* Electronic cardholder statements, supporting sustainability by reducing paper and resultant waste.
What are the benefits of GPC to SMEs?
* Prompt payments in line with Government initiatives
* Improved cash flow
* Reduces bad debt and late payments
* Reduced administrative costs 
GPC Policy and Procedures

Use of the GPC is governed by the Department for Education Government Procurement Card Policy. 

NB: GPC is not permitted to purchase alternative goods or services which are available on DfE contracts.

GPC Transparency  

In support of the Government’s Transparency agenda, the Department for Education are publishing details of all transactions of £500 and over. The data published will include the:
* transaction posting date
* merchant name 
* transaction amount
* Data is published monthly  in arrears

Useful Links 

http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/departmentalinformation/transparency