The National Government Opportunities (GO) magazine Excellence in Public Procurement Awards are the most sought-after awards in the sector. The reason is simple – GO is the only magazine in the UK dedicated to public procurement, so when it gives an Award, it's doing so on the basis of in-depth knowledge and understanding.

To reflect the ever-changing procurement landscape we have made a number of alterations to the categories and entry criteria for 2010/11. The emphasis of the Awards is on innovation, initiative and the creation of tangible benefits, for both end-users and the public sector. In addition to recognition for individual and team performance, categories focus on areas such as corporate social responsibility, collaborative procurement and supplier engagement. There are also categories which reflect the private and third sector’s contribution to procurement excellence in the UK. 

The pinnacle of the GO Awards is the Lifetime Achievement Award – presented to those who have furthered the public procurement profession during their career, and in doing so set a powerful example for others to follow. Previous winners of this Award include John F McClelland CBE (2009); Nick Bowd, formerly Director of the Scottish Procurement Directorate(2008);Dave Wheller, formerly Head of Procurement and Direct Services at Essex County Council (2007); David Smith, Commercial Director at the Department for Work and Pensions (2006); and Duncan Eaton, formerly Chief Executive of NHS PASA (2005).

Entry into the GO Awards is free of charge; however, the potential benefits that recognition through the Awards can deliver are enormous. Each entry is reviewed by the GO Awards judging panel, which includes a number of previous Lifetime Achievement Award winners as well as members of the GO magazine Editorial Advisory Team. The entry process has been streamlined to reduce the time needed to submit, while ensuring that a full account of the initiative or achievement can be given.