Social Issues in sustainable procurement
Increasingly the question of social responsibility is raised in relation to how the public sector conducts its procurement. These issues are wide-ranging and can be complex. In many cases social issues are subject to statutory requirements which develop over time and affect procurement strategies. This annex offers guidance on how procurers can approach a wide range of social issues and responsibilities
Scottish Government Policy
- The fundamental aim of public procurement is value for money, based on whole life costs. Purchasers and end-users can play an important part in meeting the social element of sustainable development.
- To obtain the best outcomes it is usually best to take social issues into account as early as possible in the procurement process, for example when identifying needs and drawing up tendering requirements and specifications.
- Where the social issue is directly related to the subject matter of the contract concerned, there is considerable scope for promoting such issues and at the same time send out a clear signal to suppliers about the public body's objectives in this area.
Factors to Be Considered in Creating Sustainable Specifications/Targets
- At the outset, ensure that the social dimension is fully taken into account when requirements are being drawn up,
- Regulation 39 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 allows buyers to stipulate conditions of contract these conditions may in particular include social considerations for e.g. apprenticeships
- Advertise adequately and appropriately to reach those suppliers who may have an interest
- The selection process should assist the target audience to be aware of requirements and how to respond to them
- After contract award, work co-operatively with contractors to seek further improvements in social impacts
Further information
Guidance on social issues in public procurement has been issued by the Scottish Procurement Directorate and can be found the website at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/116601/0053331.pdf
Contact Details
Gary Crombie
Scottish Procurement Directorate
Scottish Government
Tel 0141 242 5466
gary.crombie@scotland.gsi.gov.uk