Alastair Clay, Sustainability and Social Value Manager, NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOE CPC)

Navigating the intricacies of social value can be daunting, particularly for organisations seeking to align their procurement practices with sustainable and socially responsible objectives. Fortunately, Alastair Clay, the Sustainability and Social Value Manager at the North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOE CPC), shares invaluable insights and practical wisdom in the latest ‘Let’s Talk Social Value’ podcast and offers a comprehensive guide to the transformative potential of social value in public sector procurement.

Here is an overview of this episode:

INTRODUCTION

In today's business landscape, social value has emerged as a powerful catalyst for driving positive change. Organisations across various sectors are integrating sustainable and socially responsible practices into their operations, balancing economic growth with societal well-being. Alastair Clay offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice in this podcast, empowering listeners to navigate the complexities of social value within public sector procurement.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

1. Strategic Opportunity: Social value creates tangible benefits for the environment, society, and the economy through procurement processes.

2. Collaborative Journey: Effective implementation requires collaboration between contracting authorities and suppliers, fostering mutual understanding and continuous learning.

3. Crafting Questions and Commitments: Clarity, relevance, and measurability are crucial for successful delivery and contract management.

4. Quality Over Quantity: Suppliers should focus on realistic and impactful commitments aligned with their capabilities.

5. Role of Contracting Authorities: Authorities play a pivotal role by asking the right questions and providing clear guidance.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF SOCIAL VALUE

Alastair Clay describes social value as a "gateway to delivering real benefit." It goes beyond being a contractual obligation, representing a strategic opportunity for organisations to create positive impacts. By integrating social value into procurement processes, organisations can foster partnerships with suppliers to drive sustainable and responsible practices.

"It's really important to not think of social value as just a question at a tender stage. It has to be a golden thread that goes through the entire procurement right through to when it closes." - Alastair Clay

A JOURNEY OF COLLABORATION AND CONTINUOUS LEARNING

Social value is a collaborative journey between contracting authorities and suppliers. Mutual understanding and continuous learning are essential. Contracting authorities must provide clear guidance and support, while suppliers should offer feedback and insights.

CRAFTING EFFECTIVE SOCIAL VALUE QUESTIONS AND COMMITMENTS

Effective social value questions and commitments require clarity, relevance, and measurability. Contracting authorities should ask questions relevant to the procurement project, ensuring suppliers provide meaningful commitments. Measurability enables tracking progress, evaluating impact, and ensuring accountability.

EMBRACING QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Alastair Clay advocates for a quality-driven approach. Suppliers should prioritise realistic and impactful commitments, avoiding an overwhelming array of promises that may be challenging to deliver or manage. A "less is more" philosophy enhances successful contract management.

THE ROLE OF CONTRACTING AUTHORITIES IN SETTING THE STAGE

Contracting authorities are crucial for successful social value implementation. They must ask relevant questions, ensure proportionality, and provide clear guidance. Transparency and open communication empower suppliers to make meaningful commitments.

ADDRESSING COMMON CHALLENGES AND MISCONCEPTIONS

Alastair Clay addresses challenges and misconceptions in social value implementation. He encourages suppliers to be transparent about their limitations and offers realistic commitments. Social value should be seen as a collaborative opportunity to create shared value.

EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY

Social value initiatives encompass diversity and inclusivity. Contracting authorities and suppliers should promote an inclusive procurement ecosystem, providing equal opportunities for businesses of all sizes and backgrounds.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SUPPLIERS

Alastair Clay shares practical tips for crafting compelling social value responses. Avoid vague language and focus on specific, measurable commitments relevant to the contract. Concise and focused responses are often more effective.

📝 Related Blog: The Power of Public Procurement

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND COLLABORATION

Social value implementation is an ongoing journey requiring continuous improvement and collaboration. Embrace learning and adaptation, recognising that perfection is not the goal but rather constant refinement.

ALIGNING SOCIAL VALUE WITH ORGANISATIONAL PRIORITIES

Align social value initiatives with your organisation's priorities and strategic objectives. Understand local health inequalities, wider determinants of health, and organisational goals to craft relevant social value questions.

FOSTERING A CULTURE OF SOCIAL VALUE COMMITMENT

Successful social value implementation requires a commitment to sustainable practices at all organisational levels. Foster a culture where every stakeholder embraces social value principles.

CONCLUSION

Alastair Clay's podcast offers valuable insights for organisations seeking to navigate social value in public sector procurement. Embrace collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to quality to unlock the transformative potential of social value.

If you're a contracting authority or supplier seeking to improve your social value practices, Samtaler is here to help. With experienced professionals and a deep understanding of social value implementation, Samtaler offers tailored solutions to navigate complexities and maximise impact.

Take the first step towards sustainable and socially responsible procurement. Contact Samtaler today to benefit your organisation and contribute to a better society.

To find out how we can help send an email to hello@samtaler.co.uk

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