Selling to the council
This page will provide context and advice for suppliers looking to provide goods, works and services to Islington Council. Please note that the council is unable to respond individually to general marketing correspondence, unsolicited sales letters or offers of sales presentations.
Progressive Procurement Strategy 2020/27
The Progressive Procurement Strategy 2020/27 sets out the general approach of the council regarding money spent with third parties.
Progressive procurement values
The council seeks progressive partners with shared values and common ambitions, to have the maximum positive impact for Islington, especially the disadvantaged. We want money spent within Islington to support local organisations, jobs and training.
The council is developing a directory of local small and medium enterprises to direct developers and anchor institutions towards local businesses, initially within the wider construction sector. Find out about the new Local Progressive Procurement Support Scheme.
Social Value
Social value is about improving the economic, social and environmental well-being of the borough. The council has adopted a target weighting of at least 20% for social value when evaluating bids.
London Living Wage
Islington Council is an accredited London Living Wage employer. As a matter of policy, the London Living Wage must be considered on all contracts.
Equality Act 2010
Organisations must adhere to the Equality Act 2010. The council welcomes applicants from black and minority ethnic communities and disabled groups.
Fairness and Equality
Islington Council's Charter for Fairness and Equality sets out the council’s commitment to promote equality and fairness within the borough.
Modern Slavery
Islington Council signed the Charter Against Modern Slavery in March 2018. The government has issued guidance on Modern Slavery and a guide for suppliers.
Procurement rules
The council’s procurement rules (our Contract Standing Orders), set out the obligations of the council when spending funds on goods, services or works.
Scrutiny Meetings
Suppliers are in the best position to talk about the contracts they deliver. As a result, suppliers should be prepared to attend the council’s scrutiny meetings to discuss their performance.
Best value
The council has a duty to ensure best value, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999:
“A Best Value authority must make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness (LGA 1999, section 3[1]).”
Our aim is to improve local services in terms of quality and cost.
Procurement Forward Plan
The Procurement Forward Plan – our procurement pipeline – is a list of the planned contracts which are due to expire over the coming five years.
Insourcing policy
The council consulted in 2019 about a policy to deliver services in house by default, which has been adopted unless it is better for residents in terms of quality and cost.
Supplier workshops and training
Islington Council supports local businesses, voluntary and community sector organisations, and small or medium sized enterprises (SME - those with less than 250 employees). As part of this, we organise workshops, training and information sessions to help suppliers put forward better bids. For further information, please email procurement@islington.gov.uk.
