ABSTRACT
There are European Union (EU) and UK regulations that govern the sustainable procurement process by public bodies. The UK government response to the new suite of Directives has been positive, so implementation is expected within the two year period allowed to EU Member States. Until implementation, the existing law continues to apply. The 2006 Regulations transposed the EU directive 2004/18/EC on public procurement into the UK. Various regulations and guidance for particular groups of commissioners also complement the Social Value Act. For instance, a number of agencies under the Duty of Best Value are required to consider the overall value contributed by providers, with the aim of encouraging greater voluntary, community and social enterprise and small and medium enterprise participation in public services. The Act is one of a number of pieces of legislation and guidance which together set a clear framework for considering social value in commissioning.
