Low-value contracts can still carry high risk.

Contract value is only one part of the picture.

A lower-value agreement can still affect resident services, compliance, health and safety, operational continuity or supplier performance.

That is why proportionate procurement should consider more than spend alone.

When reviewing contracts, it helps to look at:

- the importance of the service

- the impact of supplier failure

- how easily the contract could be replaced

- the strength of current records and controls

- what happens when the agreement ends

Good procurement applies the right level of structure to the real risk involved.

Proportionate process. Clear ownership. Better contract control.