Social Value & NHS Scotland's Community Benefits Gateway
Social value is about making sure that what is purchased creates additional benefits for society. This could be, for example, the improved economic, social or environmental wellbeing of people and communities.
NHS Scotland are encouraging their suppliers to engage in activities that include social value, and companies are invited to do this through the Community Benefits Gateway, which helps to identify community needs in Scotland.
It is important to note that the Gateway is not mandatory for a bid, or contract, with the NHS in Scotland, and it is by no means a pass/fail requirement. Separate to the way in which social value is being required in England through questions in procurement, the Gateway has been created in order for organisations to easily help communities in Scotland if they are in a position to do so. NHS Scotland does expect suppliers who do substantial business with them to give something back to communities in Scotland, however they have chosen not to be prescriptive on this, hence the Gateway and supplier ‘choice’ approach.
NHS National Services Scotland appreciate that many suppliers will already have social value campaigns or activities, and recognise these ongoing efforts. If you have any queries, please do write to me.
Colleagues from NHS National Services Scotland will also be joining us for an engagement webinar on April 24th, 13:00 - 14:00, and if you have not done so already, you can register for that session here.