'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 Pounds
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.
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.