Social Issues

Promoting social issues through public procurement

Government has a key role to play in improving the lives and work prospects of our citizens.  This means providing people with the opportunity to flourish as well as supporting those who are disadvantaged and ensuring that all have equal access to public services that meet the diverse needs of our communities. 

With an annual spend of around £220 billion, public procurement can help towards achieving these social objectives through the way that Government buys public goods and services.  By taking account of social benefits to society, Government can maximise value for money from its spending

Public sector bodies need to address social issues in procurement in a way that is consistent with the UK Regulations enacting the 2004 public procurement directives.  This is outlined in our policy on addressing social issues through public procurement.

•  Our Policy on Social Issues (PDF, 40KB)

To help public procurers understand how to incorporate relevant social issues in their procurement activities, OGC published a practical guide in 2008 which demonstrates, with examples, how social issues can be reflected through each stage of the procurement process within the boundaries of the EU Procurement Directives and UK Regulations. 

• Buy and Make a Difference (Social Issues in Public Procurement) (PDF, 1013KB)

This guide complements more detailed 2006 guidance on addressing social issues in public procurement.

• Social Issues in Purchasing (PDF, 586KB)

• Equality  
• Fair and Ethical Trade  
• Supported Employment 

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If you are looking for a specific document or guidance on a specific topic you can use the search engine at the top of this page. For further information or guidance please contact the OGC Service Desk on 0845 0004999.