Public Sector Outsourcing Survival Guide: Social Value In Public Procurement

Social value and "ESG" (environmental, social, and governance) have become real buzzwords in recent years, particularly in the public sector. In the fourth insight in our Public Sector Outsourcing Survival Guide series, our public procurement experts take you through the importance of social value in the procurement process and some of the key legal considerations to be aware of.

1. What do you need to know about the basics?

Key law, policy and guidance

First, let us take a quick look at some highlights of the existing legal/policy framework around social value:

• Public Sector Equality Duty ("PSED") within s149, Equality Act 2010 - a public authority must have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation, and advance equality of opportunity;