News

Angela Eagle launches Social Procurement Pamphlet

Released on 11/06/2008

'Buy and make a difference', a new procurement pamphlet aimed at helping create a fairer society through public procurement, is launched today by Exchequer Secretary Angela Eagle MP.

Speaking at a Procurement Solutions conference in London, Angela Eagle said

"Social issues should be a first thought, not an afterthought.  Improving the lives and work prospects of citizens will create equality of opportunity for all, and work towards a world-class skills base by 2020.

"The very principle of buying on a value for money basis is about taking account of the whole life cost and wider factors including social considerations, not just about buying the cheapest. 

"Innovative approaches and solutions through public procurement should be used to achieve social outcomes and objectives.  I want procurers to be looking at imaginative options and to talk with customers and interest groups to understand what the market can provide."

The practical guide draws on real-life examples to show public procurers how they can help address social concerns both in what they buy and in the way they should expect suppliers to cater for social needs.  This may include:

• Promoting healthier eating in schools;
• involving community groups to actively engage with businesses to increase employment opportunities to diverse groups;
• encouraging the buy-in of the voluntary and community sectors in regeneration projects; 
• promoting contract opportunities to a broader business community to encourage wider take-up by community groups;
• local authorities contracting out for the workforce of a helpdesk in an ethnically diverse area to seek staff fluent in languages used locally to increase awareness and take-up of public services.  

The Government is uniquely placed to drive innovation through the use of public procurement.  With an annual expenditure of over £150bn public procurement it has an important part to play in furthering the scope for tackling social issues.

Addressing social issues in public procurement is best achieved in the early part of the public procurement process when identifying the need, establishing the business case and defining the specification. 

Notes to Editors

1.The pamphlet 'Buy and make a difference: How to address social issues in public procurement' can be obtained from the Office of Government Commerce website (PDF, 1013KB) or through the OGC Service desk tel: 0845 000 4999.

2.The document illustrates how social issues can be considered at each stage of the procurement process.  Key stages in the procurement process include:

• pre-procurement - when identifying the need and considering the market;
• when deciding the requirement - specification stage;
• when selecting suppliers to invite to tender - selection stage;
• when awarding the contract - award stage;
• in performance of the contract - contract conditions and relationship management.

3. For more information contact the OGC press office on 020 7271 1318 or press@ogc.gsi.gov.uk

About the Office of Government Commerce

The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) leads government departments and the wider public sector to make improvements in buying goods and services. As an office of HM Treasury, the OGC works with central Government departments, and other public sector organisations, to ensure the achievement of five key goals:

• Delivery of value for money from third party spend; 
• Delivery of projects to time, quality and cost; realising benefits;  
• Getting the best from the Government's £30bn estate; 
• Driving forward the improvement of central Government capability in procurement, Project and Programme Management, and estates management through the development of people skills, processes and tools; 
• Assisting departments in the delivery of Government's policy goals on sustainability, innovation, equality and support for small and medium sized enterprises.

OGC is an expert in providing guidance and standards on procurement best practice, fostering productive partnerships and realising the benefits of collaborative solutions to meet the buying needs of the public sector.

It provides innovative ways to develop further central Government's capability in procurement, and leads the Government Procurement Service, which supports those operating as procurement professionals and those working towards gaining professional status within the civil service.

Contact details:
OGC Service Desk
Tel: 0845 000 4999
E-mail: ServiceDesk@ogc.gsi.gov.uk