Falkirk Council has been incorporating community benefit clauses into procurement contracts for many years with a focus on employment and training opportunities.
It is acknowledged that not all contracts lend themselves to the delivery of employment and training. As a result, financial donations from contracted supplier are being used to benefit local community groups via the Community Choices Grant Fund application process.
However, it is believed that more benefits can be realised through procurement activity. As such, the Corporate Procurement Unit and Community Engagement Team are exploring the opportunity for wider benefits to be incorporated into appropriate tender exercises in support of Falkirk Council's communities.
In order to maintain communication across teams and ensure contractual obligations are being realised, a Community Benefit process has been agreed by the Procurement Board. The process clearly sets out roles and responsibilities from the planned procurement stage through to the conclusion of the contract, ensuring that agreed Community Benefits are recorded and delivered.