Social value firms have given a cautious welcome to a proposed government shake-up of social value policy across the UK.
Under the updated public procurement plans, businesses will now be encouraged to prioritise job creation and opportunities over issues like protecting the environment.
More details will be announced in the autumn, but it is hoped the move to transform the UK’s £90 billion procurement system will close the skills gap and spread opportunity across the UK.
Leading social value firm Samtaler said the move was an important signal that the UK government was serious about social value.
“With these changes, the government is sending a really strong message to suppliers about their priorities, which fundamentally are jobs, skills and growth, and making sure people in communities all over the UK share the benefits,” said director Sarah Stone.
“We need to see more of the detail without delay so there’s less uncertainty going forward, but ultimately businesses need to get behind this because these are things that will benefit them too.
“It is disappointing to see the environmental aspects dropped, but there will still be mechanisms within procurement to ensure businesses do more for the planet.”
