Progressive procurement

 

Anchor organisations within the region like councils, NHS, police, universities, colleges etc. provide a huge buying power locally, and can make a massive impact on the local economy.

Working together with local businesses, SME’s, third sector organisations, social enterprises, and employee or community owned businesses can help to develop a resilient local supply chain which retain wealth within the local area. The benefits include:

  • encouraging social value frameworks, and raising awareness of the impact of community benefits

  • anchor organisations engaging with potential local suppliers and social enterprises to help explain the requirements to become a preferred supplier, thus opening up possibilities to have a more inclusive and resilient supply chain

  • utilising suppliers who are pro-active in sustainability, social impact and community wellbeing.

Gemma Smith, GoBeyond - Edinburgh

"A great example of progressive procurement working well currently within the local area is the Broomhouse/ Sighthill Community One Stop Shop service. They offer food packages at low affordable rates - generally food from local shops which is close to its sell by date and also regularly have community meals which use locally grown food from community gardens. They also offer a local self-referral food bank, advice services and outreach work. As well as this, they also offer employability support."

Kate Darrah, The Ridge - Dunbar

"Progressive procurement of goods and services is desperately needed. Where local skills and capacity are available and offer the best solution, obstructive procurement practices hamper this being delivered. 'Computer says no' will rarely produce the best value for money solution, particularly at a local community level. Current procurement rules are not fit for purpose and often produce the opposite of what they set out to do."

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