Procurement and Community Benefits

Guidance for Islington-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs)

The council is committed to using procurement to contribute to the regeneration of Islington.  We will do this by ensuring that where practicable the money we spend on procuring goods, works and services benefits the people, communities and economy of London.

To realise regeneration benefits through procurement, we will:

• support Islington-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs) - those with less than 250 employees - to compete equitably for the council’s business
• build community benefit clauses (also called social clauses) into our procurement contracts

Support for Islington SMEs

We will actively engage with Islington suppliers to encourage a diverse, competitive and innovative supply market and the effective use of the supply chain.  We will achieve this by:

• organising training and information sessions for Islington SMEs in response to identified needs
• supporting Islington SMEs through the modernisation of procurement, for example with e-procurement
• producing guidance to make our procurement processes open and transparent
• increasing awareness of forthcoming procurement opportunities by publishing them on our website and advertising opportunities to a wide range of suppliers
• publishing details of contract awards on our website to give suppliers the chance to become sub-contractors
• educating procurers about the impact of their buying decisions on the local economy
• providing feedback to unsuccessful bidders to enable them to address any weaknesses

Community benefit clauses

The council is able to use procurement to help deliver some of our core policy objectives.  This means our procurement activities should contribute to the economic, social and environmental well being of Islington. The council’s community strategy allows us to include community benefits which:

• lower unemployment and provide good quality jobs
• create economically successful areas
• develop safer and stronger communities
• develop healthy communities
• provide good facilities for young and old

So, for example, in a construction contract we could include a community benefit clause which requires the employment of trainees or workless.

Design and specification

Community benefit clauses will be included in the contract specification.  These need be relevant to the goods or service being procured and support the One Islington Vision

Selecting suppliers

The council wants to do business with Islington SMEs.  We look for suppliers that provide quality goods, works and services and offer value for money.  We cannot guarantee any supplier future business or discriminate in favour of Islington SMEs during any procurement.  Wherever possible we are breaking down any barriers that prevent SMEs doing business with us. 

Evaluating tenders

Method statements that support the community can be included as part of the tender evaluation.

Contract management and supplier development

The council is putting in place procedures to monitor contracts.  The monitoring will include any community benefit clauses within the contract.

Sources of help and further information

If you are an SME based in Islington and would like the opportunity to attend a workshop or meet the buyer event please e-mail procurement@islington.gov.uk for further information.

For assistance to develop your business please e-mail businesspartnership@islington.gov.uk