It has become clear over recent years that there is scope within the EU legal framework to use procurement to deliver wider social benefits. However, notwithstanding the legal possibilities, there are significant practical and value for money issues around adopting this approach.

Social Firms Scotland, working in conjunction with Grampian Housing Association (GHA), has developed a guide to using community benefit clauses in tenders for Housing Associations.

The Practical Guide examines 5 case studies where community benefits clauses have been used by housing associations in the procurement process. This is backed up by examples of policies, procedures and assessment methods that can be adopted by housing associations wishing to seek similar results. The case studies include a relatively small garden maintenance contract in the procurement of new housing over a three-year period through a bulk procurement contract.

The guide examines the legal basis for the use of community benefit clauses, discusses the issues of costs and fairness, and recognises that the supply side can be strengthened by encouragement from housing associations.

In essence, the Guide is seen as a very practical tool for those housing associations wishing to investigate community benefit clauses further. It identifies social enterprises, and in particular Social Firms, as key suppliers in this process.

Buying for Good: Housing Associations, Social Firms and Community Benefits in Procurement - A practical guide