Social Enterprises: what are they and how can contractors engage with them to deliver services to public clients Emma Kyng

Agenda Why are we talking about this – Emma Kyng key reports and websites – Emma Kyng What are social enterprises - Paul Mooney, Third Sector Enterprises Community Involvement and social enterprises - Jamie Martin, Open Communities Social Enterprise Newlife - John Montague Social Enterprise Benchmark Furniture Design and Build – Ian Stewart Discussion

Why are social enterprises of interest to public clients – Government Backing… Health Development Agency (2005) NHS organisations are now required to use their role as powerful corporate bodies to act as a good corporate citizen and contribute to public health through their procurement practices – be it through purchasing healthier food; developing local employment schemes; supporting local economies by opening up procurement contracts to local suppliers… The National Procurement Strategy for Local Government (ODPM – 2003) The vision in the National Strategy is that by 2006 all local authorities will have adopted world class practices in procurement, not least by: realising economic, social and environmental benefits for their communities through procurement activities; operating a mixed economy of suppliers, including small firms, social enterprises, minority businesses and voluntary and community sector groups; Good Practice Guidance on the Procurement of Services from the Voluntary and Community Sector (OGC and Home Office – 2004). The OGC recognises that diversity amongst our suppliers can lead to more innovation, better competition and ultimately better value for money. The special skills and added value which the voluntary and community sector can offer are important and I strongly support this initiative.

Why are social enterprises of interest to public clients – Government Backing… National Procurement Strategy for Local Government (ODPM ) The procurement champion, together with other members on the executive, should have prime responsibility for…ensuring equality and sustainability are factored in to the [procurement] strategy and considered at each stage of the procurement process… Competitive Procurement (The Audit Commission – 2002) … authorities should be open minded about who provides services and they should therefore analyse the markets for services, including in their discussions potential suppliers from all sectors… When the market is weak, authorities are encouraged to see if they can develop the market and help new entrants. This may be especially necessary if small and medium enterprises, social enterprises and voluntary sector bodies are to be encouraged to bid for contracts. National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal (Department of Communities and Local Government ) which requires public bodies to link their procurement strategies to their overall community goals (for example those set out in the Community Strategy), explicitly highlights the need to link procurement to local social, environmental and economic impact. It encourages local authorities to:...submit optional, priced proposals for the delivery of specified community benefits which are relevant to the contract and add value to the Community Strategy.

Why are social enterprises of interest to public clients – Government Backing… Health Development Agency (2005) NHS organisations are now required to use their role as powerful corporate bodies to act as a good corporate citizen and contribute to public health through their procurement practices – be it through purchasing healthier food; developing local employment schemes; supporting local economies by opening up procurement contracts to local suppliers… The National Procurement Strategy for Local Government (ODPM – 2003) The vision in the National Strategy is that by 2006 all local authorities will have adopted world class practices in procurement, not least by: realising economic, social and environmental benefits for their communities through procurement activities; operating a mixed economy of suppliers, including small firms, social enterprises, minority businesses and voluntary and community sector groups; Good Practice Guidance on the Procurement of Services from the Voluntary and Community Sector (OGC and Home Office – 2004). The OGC recognises that diversity amongst our suppliers can lead to more innovation, better competition and ultimately better value for money. The special skills and added value which the voluntary and community sector can offer are important and I strongly support this initiative.

Why are social enterprises of interest to public clients? Public bodies corporate and community strategies require additional social and environmental benefits to be delivered Social enterprises are distinctive in that they all have social objectives Public bodies recognise the benefits of procuring services from social enterprises: community and users involvement; specialist knowledge and expertise; ability to deliver multiple policy goals. Combination of social need and construction projects lend themselves to the involvement of social enterprises.

Key Reports and Websites