WIREDGOV

The Welsh Government is asking for views on new proposals which would place a duty on the public sector to deliver more socially responsible procurement and contract management in Wales.

In line with the recently published Wales Procurement Policy Statement, under these proposals, fair work and social value would be at the centre of all public sector procurement; moving away from focussing on just achieving financial savings. 

The proposals have been set out in the draft Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill which is out for consultation until 23 April.

The draft Bill would: 

• Strengthen and formalise social partnership arrangements in Wales and place a duty on Welsh Ministers to set fair work objectives
• Support contracting authorities in ensuring that well-being and fair work are central considerations in procurement, in order to support economic growth and the long-term sustainability of public services
• Simplify and remove duplication between the large number of policy expectations placed on procurement departments
• Ensure well-being and fair work outcomes are at the heart of procurement strategies and processes
• Improve the link between procurement processes and the delivery of outcomes by better contract management
• Improve transparency by recording metrics and publishing regular reports sharing good practice and areas where improvements are needed
• Hold organisations to account for ensuring that contract conditions supporting socially responsible practices are maintained throughout supply chains, particularly in large construction contracts and outsourcing services contracts.

For further details on the draft bill, consultation documents or to have your say, visit our website.

Wales procurement policy statement