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CIPS Qualification Case Study: £250k Savings and Career Growth

Originally published in February 2017. The role, sector and results described below reflect Mark Worrall’s experience at the time.

Professional procurement training can provide benefits far beyond achieving a qualification. It can strengthen commercial decision-making, develop confidence and help professionals deliver measurable improvements within their organisations.

In this case study, Mark Worrall explains how studying towards a CIPS qualification enhanced his procurement knowledge, supported his career development and helped him deliver substantial cost savings.

Name: Mark Worrall
Position: Procurement Officer
Sector: NHS and higher education
Date: February 2017

How has the CIPS qualification helped in your current role?

Studying towards the CIPS qualification has significantly enhanced my skill set and influenced how I approach both my previous and current procurement roles.

Key areas in which I have developed include negotiation, contract management, resolving complex issues, risk management and sustainable procurement.

The course has also provided valuable networking opportunities. I’ve built strong relationships with professionals from both the public and private sectors, including buyers and Heads of Procurement.

Sharing knowledge, best practice and real-world challenges with other procurement professionals has been incredibly beneficial and continues to support my development.

How has the training benefited your organisation?

In my previous role as Contracts and Purchasing Manager, I delivered savings of more than £250,000 per year.

The knowledge and skills developed through my CIPS studies played an important part in achieving these results, demonstrating a clear return on the organisation’s investment in professional training.

Can you describe a situation where your CIPS knowledge made an impact?

Shortly after completing the contracts module, I encountered a complex issue involving a temporary recruitment contract.

The knowledge and confidence I had gained from the course enabled me to address the situation effectively. This resulted in a positive resolution and savings of more than £30,000 for the organisation.

How was your experience studying with SR Supply Chain Consultants?

My experience with SR Supply Chain Consultants has been excellent and extends far beyond classroom delivery.

The tutors consistently went the extra mile to support my exam preparation, and I also benefited from one-to-one career and continuing professional development guidance.

The level of support and expertise made a real difference to my learning experience.

Would you recommend SR Supply Chain Consultants?

Absolutely. I have already recommended SR Supply Chain Consultants to colleagues, including arranging for them to attend introductory sessions.

I’m confident they will have the same positive experience, and I continue to stay in touch with the team for ongoing advice and support.

Developing practical procurement skills through CIPS

Mark’s experience demonstrates how CIPS study can support both individual development and organisational performance. The knowledge gained through professional training can be applied directly to areas such as contracts, negotiation, risk, sustainability and cost management.

These skills remain particularly important within complex public-sector environments, where procurement professionals must balance financial pressures, service requirements, compliance and long-term value.

SRSCC continues to support procurement professionals working across the health service. You can learn more about its experience, programmes and sector-specific approach on the Working with the NHS page.

Take the next step in your procurement career

If you are considering professional procurement training, you can:

For personalised advice about CIPS levels, study methods or organisational training, please contact the SRSCC team.

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Discover our CIPS Courses

Our courses are designed to accelerate your career in the procurement and supply chain industries. If you would like to learn more about our courses, call the SRSCC team on 01772 282555 or complete our contact form. Start your journey to success today.

CIPS Level 3

Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations.

CIPS LEVEL 3

CIPS Level 4

Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

CIPS LEVEL 4

CIPS Level 5

Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

CIPS LEVEL 5

CIPS Level 6

Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

CIPS LEVEL 6

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CIPS Qualification Case Study: £250k Savings and Career Growth
2017-02-16T14:07:15+00:00
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Bethanie Stimpson SRSCC

Bethanie Stimpson

Progress Mentor

Bethanie began her career in the fitness industry, working as a personal trainer and gym instructor before becoming involved in coaching children through a triathlon club. This experience sparked her passion for working with young people and ultimately led her into a career in education. She initially worked in a nursery and later as a one-to-one teaching assistant in a primary school, before completing her teaching qualification and postgraduate studies. Since then, Bethanie has taught in both the private and state education sectors.

Her academic background includes a qualification in Sports Development, Fitness and Coaching at college, alongside a Childhood & Youth undergraduate degree (2:1). These studies have enabled her to combine her interests in sport, education, and child development, shaping her holistic approach to teaching and mentoring.

Bethanie is passionate about supporting learners to achieve their goals — educationally, personally, and in terms of wellbeing. She places strong emphasis on communication and relationship building, and takes great pride in helping individuals build confidence and overcome challenges. One of her proudest achievements has been supporting learners who initially doubted themselves to grow in confidence and achieve success.

Outside of work, Bethanie has always maintained a strong interest in sport. She previously competed in triathlons and now focuses on running and swimming. In 2023, she completed the London Marathon — an achievement she is particularly proud of. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and their two dogs, which is where she is happiest when not working.

Ola Kambul

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Ola began her career in supply chain within fast-paced warehouse and logistics environments, where she developed a strong understanding of operations and people management. Her journey into the Supply Chain sector wasn’t planned, but through hands-on experience she discovered a passion for improving processes and supporting others – which naturally led her into training and development.

She has progressed through a range of roles across operations, recruitment, and training, including Programme Coach and L&D Lead. She designed and delivered apprenticeship programmes, supporting over 40 learners to successful completion and contributing to strong quality outcomes and inspection success.  Her transition into mentoring was driven by a desire to make a direct impact on people’s confidence, growth, and career progression.

Ola’s mentoring style is supportive, structured, and empowering. She combines real operational experience with coaching expertise, helping learners apply knowledge in practical workplace settings. One of her proudest career achievements has been supporting learners who started with low confidence to achieve distinctions and progress into new roles within their organisations. She has also led a UK-wide Mental Health First Aider network, embedding wellbeing into workplace culture and supporting colleagues through challenging situations.

From day one, she shares a consistent message with every learner: “You’re more capable than you think – but you have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone to see it.”

Outside of work, Ola enjoys walking with her Border Collie, Luna, and cross stitching. She recommends Legacy by James Kerr to anyone in supply chain, for its powerful insights into leadership and culture. If she wasn’t working in mentoring and development, she would likely be pursuing a career as a Visual Merchandiser.

Jack Callaghan

Jack Moore

Operations Team Leader

In December 2023, Jack joined SRSCC as an Operations Coordinator and quickly established himself as a key member of the team.

Promoted to Team Leader in October 2024, Jack utilises his expertise in auditing processes and innovative problem-solving to identify and enhance growth opportunities.

Jack possesses a strong ability to analyse and refine systems and procedures, consistently uncovering chances for streamlining and automation that drive operational efficiency. He excels at communicating complex ideas with clarity and precision.

Detail-oriented yet big-picture focused, Jack applies his exceptional organisational skills to ensure the team adopts the most effective strategies for achieving both individual and collective goals.

His methodical approach and strategic mindset make Jack an invaluable asset to SRSCC, significantly contributing to the team’s success and the realisation of organisational objectives.