Among the most complex financial decisions schools need to take are those to do with ICT goods and services. Heads and co-ordinators can draw on expertise they may not have themselves at a series of one-day seminars to be held from Newcastle and Leeds to Plymouth and Canterbury over the summer. The events are run by the Independent ICT Procurement Advisory Service. Participants will not be told what to buy, but they will learn how to find and brief suppliers, assess bids and award contracts. They will also be introduced to up-to-date specifications and documents containing technical guidance. The first series of IPAS seminars run until July.

Tel: 024 7684 7190 or book via the website

www.ipas.ngfl.gov.uk