Maximising social value in public procurement: an opportunity to engage with Government

News

The Cabinet Office has just announced a new consultation on how central government should take better account of social benefits in the award of public contracts. 

Government is seeking views on a proposed social value delivery model which aims to level the playing field for all types of businesses including SMEs, to encourage local employment opportunities, develop skills and improve environmental sustainability. Whilst achieving the best commercial outcome remains the Government’s overarching procurement objective, it has now recognised that failing to maximise social value is a missed opportunity which has cost implications elsewhere in public services. 

For some time IWFM has argued for social value to be placed at the heart of procurement and service delivery, especially in the public sector, in order to move from an unsustainable lowest cost model to a value-driven outcome which delivers for all stakeholders.

We are currently working with NEC to develop a new FM-specific contract aimed at promoting best practice, including social value and sustainability, in workplace and FM services procurement. IWFM will also be partnering with the National Social Value Taskforce and Social Value Portal to develop minimum reporting standards for social value in FM. 

We are evaluating the Government’s proposed social value delivery model and will feed into the consultation on behalf of our members and the profession.