The pre-procurement stage
There are opportunities to maximise social value across the commissioning lifecycle, but the greatest opportunity exists early in the process. PPN 01/21 states: “How social value will be included in contracts should be considered at the earliest possible stage. Considering the social value element of the contract at pre-procurement (i.e. business case) stage will ensure that the procurement strategy maximises the social benefits delivered by contracts.”
You should:
– Consider social value at business case stage
– Complete a risks and opportunities assessment to determine the most appropriate social value them/indicator for the contract
– Consider social value in any pre-market engagement activities
It is also recommended that Departments consult with communities affected by the procurement and with potential suppliers to identify the most feasible and beneficial way to promote social value. Guidance on considering social value at business case stage and pre-procurement can be found here. Advice on selecting the most relevant social value themes/indicators can be found here or contact socialvalueni@sibni.org
There are opportunities to maximise social value across the commissioning cycle beyond the scope of Procurement Policy Note 01/21 Scoring Social Value (PPN 01/21). Incorporating sustainability aspects related to the goods/services and works that are being commissioned will help deliver the most positive environmental, social and economic impacts possible over the entire life cycle.[1]
All of the following elements should be considered.
Get in touch if you have questions: socialvalueni@sibni.org.
[1] ISO 20400:2017; Sustainable procurement – Guidance; p.6.