FCIPS: Fellowship inspired me to mentor young people

Gus is a high-performing procurement leader with over 20 years’ experience in procurement and contract management. He is the proud holder of an FCIPS accreditation, a master's in strategic procurement management, and a postgraduate certificate in public service commissioning.

If you’re serious about your procurement career, then you should strive for fellowship no matter what, he says. And, for those who achieve it, you’ll become part of an elite group that others look up to for guidance and support.

If there’s one thing Gus knows about, it’s making a difference in procurement – and his FCIPS training has certainly helped with that.

We spoke to Gus about his journey to achieving chartered status and what it means to him. 

What led you to want to work in procurement and supply?

“Procurement was an unknown profession when I joined it 20 years ago. But I saw a clear gap in the market – a demand for such a profession and a skill that could transfer to any sector or anywhere in the world.” 

Since then, Gus has worked across procurement in both the public and private sector. He’s led on harmonising policies and processes to maximise savings and efficiencies. And has stewarded a major transformation programme, involving the dismantling of eight authorities and the setting up of two new ones. His procurement leadership on the transformation programme at LGSS (Local Government Shared Services) – one of the UK’s largest government shared service operations – won him ‘Procurement Individual of the Year’ at the 2021 Go Awards National (the UK’s leading public procurement excellence awards).

He notes that since COVID and with recent rises in inflation, demand for smarter procurement has become more important than ever – particularly in the public sector. And that this rising profile of procurement is what keeps him in the profession.

“Today I find myself in a role that is not only needed, but one which is becoming more front and centre in business strategies,” says Gus. 

Why did you want to achieve FCIPS?

After gaining his MCIPS, Gus was determined to push his learning more and sought further accreditation. 

“I wanted to develop myself further and progress to a more advanced level,” he says.

“FCIPS would provide me with a new challenge and framework to work within, so it gave me something more to strive towards.” 

How has FCIPS benefitted you professionally?

“FCIPS is the highest level of award one can achieve in procurement and supply and is a great identifier for those who want to teach, mentor and share expertise,” says Gus. 

Since gaining his FCIPS, Gus has been volunteering more with schools and students globally. He has collaborated with CIPS, as part of mentoring circles and career development programmes, to attract more young people to procurement and to develop tomorrow’s professionals.

“This, to me, is where FCIPS should take people next. Working with schools and students in this way is both rewarding and enlightening as it gives you a sense of the challenges the profession is facing and the perceptions it’s up against.”

He adds that chartered status is a great tool for tracking your involvement in procurement and recording your learning.

“Once a year I tally all my events and learning and reflect on how all of it has improved my contribution to procurement or what I have got out of being part of the profession.” 

What advice would you give to those with MCIPS who are thinking of applying for FCIPS?

“If you’re serious about a career in procurement, then FCIPS is the way to go,” says Gus. 

“Those with FCIPS are a smaller group than those with MCIPS, so the opportunity to stand out and be recognised is greater – particularly in the public sector.”

He adds that building up the expertise and contributions required for FCIPS takes time, but that the effort is worth it.

“Just go for it and see for yourself. It isn’t easy but it is achievable.” 

We’d love to hear your FCIPS stories, please email us at editorial@cips.org

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