Definition
Transparency
The duty to run procurements openly and publish key decisions.
The transparency principle requires UK public buyers to run procurement processes that are open, clear and capable of being scrutinised, including publishing notices, setting out criteria in advance, and providing adequate reasons for decisions. It works alongside equal treatment to protect fair competition and public accountability.
What transparency requires
In practice, transparency means publishing tender opportunities through the appropriate channels (Find a Tender, Contracts Finder, or a buyer's own portal), clearly stating evaluation criteria and weightings in advance, and providing sufficiently detailed feedback to unsuccessful bidders so they can understand how the decision was reached.
The Procurement Act 2023 strengthens transparency obligations further, requiring more publication throughout the contract lifecycle, including pipeline notices, contract award notices, and information on contract performance and modifications, not just at the point of tendering.
- Advance publication of criteria and weightings
- Clear, accessible tender notices and documents
- Adequate reasons and scores provided in debriefs
- Publication of award notices and, increasingly, contract performance data
Why suppliers should care
A lack of transparency, such as vague criteria, undisclosed weightings, or inadequate debrief information, is a common and often successful ground for informal complaint or formal challenge. Suppliers should request full transparency at debrief stage as a matter of course, since buyers are generally obliged to provide it.
Frequently asked questions
- What does the transparency principle mean in UK procurement?
- It means public buyers must run open processes with published criteria, clear rules, and adequate reasons for their decisions, so that bidders and the public can understand and scrutinise how contracts are awarded, rather than decisions being made behind closed doors.
- Can a buyer keep evaluation weightings secret?
- No, not generally. Evaluation criteria and their relative weightings must normally be disclosed to bidders before submission, so they can prepare their tenders appropriately and so the process meets transparency requirements.
- What can I do if a buyer refuses to explain a decision?
- Request a formal debrief in writing citing your right to adequate reasons under transparency obligations. If the buyer still refuses or the explanation is inadequate, consider a freedom of information request or, if time-critical, seek legal advice about a possible challenge.
Related terms