CANADA has been revolutionised through the use of new technologies .

“ It ’ s in the last five years that procurement has shown that we deserve to be at the table . I think what ’ s really driven that entire entity is technology ,” she says .

“ When I arrived , it was how procurement 20 years ago used to be . The faculty and staff on campus wanted to do things the right way but really didn ’ t know what that way was . Procurement were seen as rule enforcers . Whilst this is true to a certain extent , we needed to make sure people understood the ‘ why ’ of what we need to do and how it could help them .”

Relationship building The use of public funds has seen the value of transparency become increasingly vital throughout the transformation of Laurier ’ s procurement function . The organisation is required to run formal process for any contract with a total

contract value over $ 100,000 .

Nonetheless , the establishment of Ontario ’ s Broader Public Sector Accountability Act in 2010 provided ample opportunity for Ens to deliver key direction within procurement , whilst strengthening relationships with Laurier ’ s partners and suppliers .

Doubling in size has also supported the evolving role of procurement at Laurier . Although the team remains small , Ens states that this remains advantageous , particularly in avoiding any duplication of work . Each member remains able to cover for one another , and each individual is able to make their role their own without the need for micromanagement , leaving them empowered .

Such an approach has also influenced the university ’ s relationships with its end users on campus .

“ Laurier is a small campus . By taking the time to learn about people ’ s

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