Supplier Conduct Record
The public record of supplier performance across UK public sector contracts introduced by the Procurement Act 2023.
Definition
The Supplier Conduct Record is the public record of supplier performance across UK public sector contracts introduced by the Procurement Act 2023. It aggregates published transparency data (Award Notices, Transparency Notices, Contract Performance Notices) into a per-supplier view that contracting authorities can consult during procurement. The aim is to embed performance feedback into the procurement lifecycle so suppliers with consistently strong delivery records are rewarded with future opportunities and those with persistent failures face additional scrutiny.
How it works in practice
The conduct record holds five main data types: award history (contracts awarded, values, terms), KPI commitments at bid stage, KPI delivery during contract execution, significant performance events (improvement plans, terminations, contractual disputes), and exclusion-grounds events (corruption, fraud, modern slavery convictions, professional misconduct). Authorities run a conduct check during procurement, typically at the Selection Questionnaire or conditions-of-participation stage. A positive record builds future-bid evidence and supports the supplier's case at selection. A negative record can trigger enhanced due diligence, additional clarification, or (in serious cases) discretionary exclusion. The exclusion grounds remain narrower than the conduct record: only specific statutory grounds bar a supplier outright. Conduct issues short of statutory exclusion sit on the record and inform but do not predetermine authority decisions. For suppliers the operational implication is that delivery quality has direct procurement consequence beyond the individual contract: a strong delivery record is now a tangible competitive advantage. The KimonBids contract management module helps suppliers track KPI delivery in line with bid commitments and surface emerging issues before they affect the conduct record.
Common questions
Where can I see my own supplier conduct record?
The conduct record is held by Cabinet Office and accessible via the central digital platform. Suppliers can request their own record; specific access mechanisms are being developed as the PA 2023 regime matures. Authorities running procurement queries can access the record directly.
How does the conduct record affect exclusion grounds?
Statutory exclusion grounds remain unchanged: only specific legal events (corruption, fraud, modern slavery convictions) bar a supplier outright. Conduct issues short of statutory exclusion sit on the record and inform but do not predetermine authority decisions. Discretionary exclusion is possible for serious or persistent misconduct but is fact-specific.
Can I correct errors in my conduct record?
Yes. The record is built from underlying notices and contract data. Errors in the underlying notices can be corrected through the publishing authority; corrections cascade to the conduct record. Suppliers should monitor their record periodically and raise any inaccuracies promptly through the formal correction route.