The Scottish Government, as part of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, is encouraging all local authorities to promote the improvement in economic, social or environmental wellbeing of their areas through procurement.
All public sector contracting authorities are required to consider including community benefit requirements for all regulated procurements where the value is equal to, or greater than, £4 million.
What does this mean for Sheds?
Well, each authority is being asked to consider how contractors can help with community projects as part of their tendering process. North Ayrshire Council for example will soon be launching a new community benefits process where local community groups can submit an easy-to-complete form with their wish list of projects they require assistance with.
This is an ideal opportunity for Sheds to identify projects where outside help could mean that projects are completed on their behalf or a contribution of labour or materials may be available.
Further information on Public sector procurement: Community benefits in procurement is available on The Scottish Government website.
The following local authorities and Third Sector Interfaces are already up and running with this, including:
· Perth & Kinross Council – Sustainable procurement and community benefits
· Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSI)
In March 2021, NHS Scotland’s National Procurement division also introduced its online Community Benefits Marketplace in addition to some very useful guidance for third sector organisations.
This is an opportunity not to be missed by Sheds, so please check in with your local authority to see what stage they are at by contacting their community focussed person/team (who will be best placed to signpost you to this support) rather than approaching Procurement.
David Gardner
SMSA Chairman