Beyond the Bottom Line: Who Does the Procurement Act 2023 Really Affect?
The UK's new Procurement Act 2023 is making waves, but who exactly is riding those waves? While it's a game-changer for procurement departments, its impact extends far beyond, bringing workplace safety into sharp focus and marking a significant shift towards prioritising social value in procurement decisions.
This was a key theme at this year's EBIS Health and Safety Law Update conference, where delegates engaged in lively discussions about the Act's implications for various stakeholders.
So, who exactly is affected?
Public Sector in the Spotlight
The Act primarily applies to public sector organisations in the UK. This includes central government departments, executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies, local authorities, NHS bodies, and even some charities and educational institutions. Essentially, any organisation spending public money on goods and services needs to sit up and take notice.
This means these organisations must now consider a supplier's track record on social value, including health and safety, environmental protection, and ethical labour practices. It's no longer just about the lowest price; it's about choosing suppliers who align with ethical and responsible business practices.
But it's not just the public sector that feels the impact.
Suppliers Step Up
The Act also has significant implications for suppliers to the public sector. They now need to demonstrate their commitment to social value, providing evidence of their health and safety performance, environmental credentials, and ethical practices. This raises the bar for suppliers, encouraging them to prioritise these factors to secure lucrative public sector contracts.
Safety Professionals Take Centre Stage
The EBIS conference highlighted the crucial role safety professionals have in influencing procurement decisions under this new regime. Here's how:
Providing expertise: We can advise on safety requirements, evaluate suppliers' safety performance, and contribute to the development of clear safety criteria in tender documents. This might include specifying the need for PPE that caters to a diverse workforce, ensuring proper fit and protection for individuals of different ethnic backgrounds, genders, and body types, a point that resonated strongly with delegates.
Collaborating with procurement teams: We can work closely with procurement teams to integrate safety considerations into every stage of the process. This might involve participating in supplier selection meetings, conducting site visits, or reviewing safety documentation. We can also help ensure that suppliers are aware of the diverse needs of the workforce and provide appropriate PPE options.
Leveraging the Common Assessment Standard (CAS): This standardised pre-qualification questionnaire helps assess suppliers across 13 key areas, including health and safety. The CAS replaces a myriad of different pre-qualification questionnaires, streamlining the process and ensuring consistency.
By utilising the CAS, we can gain valuable insights into a supplier's safety management systems, accident history, and compliance with regulations. This allows us to make informed decisions and advocate for suppliers who prioritise worker well-being.
Practical Steps for Safety Professionals
Ready to embrace this new era of procurement? Here are some practical steps you can take:
Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2023: Attend workshops, webinars, or conferences like the EBIS event to deepen your understanding of the Act and its implications for your organisation.
Engage with procurement teams: Work collaboratively to embed safety in procurement strategies. This might involve developing a joint training programme or creating a shared set of safety standards for suppliers.
Utilise the CAS: Evaluate suppliers' safety credentials and ensure you have the resources and training to effectively utilise this tool.
Promote transparency and accountability: Encourage open communication and regular feedback on safety performance in your supplier relationships.
The Procurement Act 2023 presents a golden opportunity to elevate the importance of safety in procurement decisions. By actively engaging in the process, we can contribute to safer workplaces and a more responsible supply chain.
Connect with me on LinkedIn to share your thoughts on the Procurement Act 2023 and its impact on your role!