You are a non-executive director of a public sector body, and a member of the organisation’s finance committee. The committee is currently discussing the tender process for the procurement of substantial capital improvements to the staff catering facility. The director of finance has suggested that the normal tender route be waived in this instance and the project awarded on a single tender basis. This is because the organisation has recently tendered for the construction of a new boiler facility on the organisation’s main site. As the catering facility is in close proximity to this existing capital project, the finance committee has agreed that there are practical benefits in awarding the work to the same contractor, who has a good history of completing capital projects for the organisation. If the tender process is waived, it will mean that the improvements to the catering facility can be commenced as soon as the boiler project ends. It is likely this could result in cost savings to the catering project, because the contractor’s equipment will not have to be removed and the required workers can remain on site. The director of finance has also suggested that it is possible to benchmark costs to ensure that the agreed contract price is in line with current market prices. Initial discussions have already taken place with the contractor, who has explained that substantial cost savings would be achieved if this project was awarded to them straight after the boiler project. They have also provisionally agreed to undertake the works. There are existing standing orders and standing financial instructions which require a formal tender proce You are concerned that the organisation is openly ignoring the governance arrangements that are in place without providing a robust basis for doing so, and you believe that the director of finance should not recommend these proposals to the advisory board. Evaluate the key fundamental principles involved and possible course of action for you in this case.