Let’s Talk Social Value - The New Procurement Act
Lindsay Maguire - Deputy Director for Procurement Reform, Cabinet Office
This episode was recorded before the new NPPS was announced
About Lindsay and her role as Deputy Director for Procurement Reform at the Cabinet Office
Lindsay Maguire is the Deputy Director for Procurement Reform at the Cabinet Office, focussing on shaping public procurement policy for central government. A big part of Lindsay’s role has been reforming procurement regulations since leaving the EU, where she has been working to reshape the EU directives that we currently use, to something that works much better for the UK.
Listen in to find out:
How procurement policy is developed within the UK
What the new Procurement Act means for social value
The challenges of consistency in evaluating social value
How the new government’s priorities are shaping procurement reform
In this episode, Sarah and Lindsay talk about:
Insights into the Procurement Act, including why the shift from MEAT to MAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender to Most Advantageous Tender) is a game-changer for procurement. Lindsay explains how social value fits into procurement and why the implementation of the Act was originally delayed. They also discuss the importance of local government’s role in social value, how private and public sectors can work together, and why transparency and accountability are key to ensuring social value commitments are actually delivered.
"If we’re letting contracts that are using taxpayers’ money, then those contracts have to be fairly solid... but they also have to deliver for the communities that they’re being provided in because that’s how we maximize the strength of that taxpayer pound."
Find out more:
The challenges around measuring social value for policy makers
How the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) shapes procurement priorities
Why private sector suppliers need to understand procurement policy
What the Procurement Act means for social value:
The Procurement Act brings with it changes in how value is assessed for public sector contracts. The shift from MEAT to MAT means contracts should be approached by looking at long-term value, including the social and environmental impact, and not purely focussing on the lowest price.
Inspiring the next generation: How the new Procurement Act supports social value in education, sustainability, and community impact.
The requirement to publish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for contracts over £5 million opens up the potential opportunity to see a social value KPI being reported on at contract level.
“This is where social value comes in - procurement is such a strategic enabler, and if we get it right, it can deliver real benefits for communities. It’s not just about getting that lowest price; it’s about thinking how what we buy impacts people and places.”
How we can help
If you're a contracting authority or supplier seeking to improve your social value practices, Samtaler is here to help. With experienced professionals and a deep understanding of social value implementation, Samtaler offers tailored solutions to navigate complexities and maximise impact.
Take the first step towards sustainable and socially responsible procurement. Contact Samtaler today to benefit your organisation and contribute to a better society.
To find out how we can help send an email to hello@samtaler.co.uk
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