New procurement
guidelines which aim to place greater emphasis upon environmental
and social issues were published today by the Scottish Parliament
in a month long consultation that is open to the public.
Before launching the open consultation period, key stakeholders
such as the Scottish Sustainable Development Forum, The Centre for
Human Ecology, and The Scottish Federation of Small Business were
invited to study the report and give their views.
Commenting on the proposed guidelines, Niall Stuart of the
Scottish Federation of Small Business said:
"We are pleased to see the Parliament take such a proactive
approach to responsible purchasing. We are especially happy to see
such a strong emphasis on transparency and fairness and greatly
support the emphasis placed on all aspects of professional development."
The strategy, on which public views are now sought, has been
developed by the Scottish Parliament's Procurement Services
team and covers four key areas:
* Professionalism
* Environmental impact
* Ethical and
social issues
* Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
& local suppliers
The draft strategy also focuses on the importance of
environmental and ethical factors when choosing suppliers, and
sets clear targets to encourage existing contractors to improve
their own environmental performance.
Osbert Lancaster of the Centre for Human Ecology said of the
Parliament's proposals:
"When implemented wholeheartedly this strategy will not only
deliver tangible benefits, but also inspire others to follow the
Parliament's lead and seriously address the impact of
today's decisions on people, the environment and local
economies, now and in the future. Building on this strategy the
Parliament could become recognised as a leader in responsible purchasing."
Malcolm McRobert of the Sustainable Development and Corporate
Responsibility specialists Thirdwave added that the move represented:
"A very positive step towards addressing the challenges in
public sector procurement and opening up the possibility that the
public sector can more efficiently use procurement as a 'tool
for change' in Scotland."
As 99 per cent of all firms in Scotland employ fewer than 250
employees, Holyrood's new draft Responsible Purchasing
strategy highlights the importance of helping and supporting small
and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to make it easier for them to
work with the Parliament. The strategy will do so by helping to
remove barriers to engaging with the Parliament and maximising
subcontracting opportunities for SMEs.
From today any interested individual or party can submit their
feedback on the draft strategy document which is available to
download from the Scottish Parliament's website.
Lynn Garvie, Head of Procurement at the Scottish Parliament stated:
"Responsible Purchasing is an important development for the
Scottish Parliament. This strategy also takes into account the
needs of small and medium sized businesses and encourages all of
our suppliers to take account of the environmental and social
impact they have on the world around them."
Background information
Statement of principles - responsible purchasing
"The Scottish Parliament is committed to purchasing
responsibly in ways which build on the Parliament's strategic
priorities and contribute to sustainable development.
Purchasing responsibly means:
* Effectively meeting the needs of the Parliament for goods,
services and minor works;
* Taking account of the impact of today's decisions on
people and the environment, both now and in the future;
* Acting ethically at all times in our dealings with colleagues,
customers, actual & potential suppliers;
* Having the necessary skills and knowledge to evaluate and
respond to conflicting demands;
* Complying with regulations and taking reasonable steps to
ensure that others act in compliance"
For more information on Responsible Purchasing or to download the
draft strategy, please go to:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/corporate/procurement/Consultation.htm
For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000 or 0845
278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID
Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
Visit our website at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk