Progressive procurement of goods and services
Breakout session: 11.45am
The advancement of community wealth building depends on our ability to recognise the points of flex within five key areas of policy. In these breakout sessions we will hear from the people who have not only identified the mechanisms for change, but are innovating within them.
When it comes how money is spent and services commissioned by anchor institutions, cost is often the dominant determining factor in who gets the contract. Environmental credentials, social value and decent employment conditions tend to be weaker considerations.
Community wealth building promotes the progressive procurement of goods and services, as this spending power can be a means through which greater economic, social and environmental benefits can be achieved. Dense local supply chains and ecosystems of businesses created in this way are more likely to support local employment and have a greater tendency to recirculate wealth and surplus locally.
In the era of Covid-19, what role can the of progressive procurement of goods and services play in local economic recovery and reform?
Speakers
Matthew Baqueriza-Jackson, independent policy advisor
Matthew provides incisive support and analysis to the European Union, local authorities in the UK, and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. Prior to becoming independent in May of this year, Matthew spent 13 years working for the think-tank and research organisation, the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES), most recently as Deputy Chief Executive. Matthew was instrumental in developing CLES’ work around local wealth building, of which social procurement policy and practice is a key component.
Currently, Matthew is the Network Expert for a European Funded Network focusing on progressing procurement practices across 7 cities (called Making Spend Matter), he also represents the URBACT Programme on the EU Urban Agenda Partnership for Innovative and Responsible Public Procurement. In a UK context, Matthew is currently working in Manchester, Birmingham, Preston, and Wakefield and is the Chair of the Greater Manchester Social Value Network.
Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, Senedd Cymru
Lee is the Member of the Senedd for the Llanelli constituency. He was born and raised in Carmarthenshire. He was educated in Brynamman and Ammanford and gained a Degree in Politics from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. His policy interests are wide-ranging, including the economy, climate change, provision for looked after children, digital policy and the media. On 13 December 2018 he was appointed Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport.
Alastair Pringle, Executive Director, Scotland and Corporate Delivery, Equality & Human Rights Commission
Alastair has over 30 years’ experience of working across the public sector on equality and human rights. This includes roles working in the NHS in Scotland and the Scottish Government.
As Executive Director for Scotland & Corporate Delivery, Alastair leads one of the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s three networks. This includes Legal and Compliance functions across GB as well as the Scotland office, who work to Britain-wide strategic priorities but deliver in the significantly devolved context. Alastair has executive oversight of the organisations major inquiries and investigations.
Amanda Stevens, Senior Researcher, CLES
Amanda delivers fresh policy advice, research and analysis for CLES’s partners, members and commissioners. She draws on previous experience in central and local government and consultancy, including roles at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, New Economy Manchester, North West Vision & Media (Regional Cluster Organisation for Creative & Digital Industries), NAVCA and as a Research Fellow at Leeds Beckett University.
