European Commission encourages socially responsible public procurement
The Commission has published a guide containing 71 good practice cases for socially responsible public procurement to inspire contracting authorities.
At this stage, the best practice guide is only available in English. According to the Commission, the aim is to achieve positive social results in public procurement as well as to influence the market more generally in terms of both supply and demand.
As the Commission recalls: “For some products, work and services, the impact of these markets can be particularly significant, since public procurers represent a significant share of the market in sectors such as construction, health and transport. Public buyers are major investors in Europe, spending 14% of the EU’s gross domestic product. By using their purchasing power to opt for goods and services that deliver positive social outcomes, they can make a major contribution to sustainable development.”
Hence this good practice guide is a complementary strategic tool to support the European Union’s social policy goals, which their contracting authorities can make use of in public procurement. It is divided into 10 themes: cleaning and facility management services, construction, food/catering services, furniture, gardening services, healthcare, social services, information and communication technology (ICT), textiles and other cases.
Associated areas of specialisation: Public procurement and PPP