Social value procurement creates fresh opportunities for co-ops
News item
From 1 January 2021 central government will be required to take the social value of suppliers into account when awarding contracts.
Co-operatives UK has helped to influence the new Social Value Procurement Model, which should create fresh opportunities for co-ops to win public procurement contracts, or participate in related supply chains.
Following our input, and the input of some of our members in 2019, co-operatives are specifically recognised and referenced in the model.
In some cases being a co-op may now provide some material advantage in tenders. The emphasis in the model on reducing inequalities, providing good work, wellbeing, community and environmental sustainability all stand co-ops in good stead. Where possible, co-ops should link their value-added in these areas back to their co-operative nature.
Bidding for work? Respond to the Green Paper
The government has also published a consultative Green Paper on public procurement which outlines plans to speed up and simplify government procurement processes, place value for money at their heart, and unleash opportunities for small businesses, charities and social enterprises to innovate in public service delivery. It says that it will:
- Cut red tape, reduce bureaucracy and help unleash wider social benefits from public money spent on procurement
- Introduce new rules for lower value contracts allowing more UK based SMEs to win government business.
The consultation closes at 11:45pm on 10 March 2021.