Introduction
Specifications are a statement of needs to be satisfied by procurement.
Its purpose is to present prospective suppliers with a clear, accurate and full description of the organisation's needs including community benefits and so enable them to propose a solution to meet those needs. The supplier's response to the statement is evaluated to arrive at the supplier to be awarded the contract. The requirements in the specification subsequently become incorporated in the contract with the successful supplier.
Chapter 6 of the National Procurement Strategy states that by the end of 2005, all Councils should be asking “…bidders to submit optional, priced proposals for the delivery of specified Community Benefits which are relevant to the contract and add value to the community plan.”
Featuring strongly in the Sustainable Development agenda since 2003, Community Benefits have become a sharp focus of the Sustainable Development Task Force.
From 2007-08 onwards Government encourages organisations to make full use of the Task Force flexible framework which helps improve procurement practice and achieve sustainability targets. In the meantime, the Office of Government Commerce is developing a new detailed procurement framework.
In January 2007, Northamptonshire County Council commissioned development of a series of workshops to introduce key staff to the opportunities to secure community benefits through specification writing. Based upon these workshops, and using learnings gained during their delivery, this online learning resource has been created to spread the learning more widely through partner councils, and also to allow it to be made available more widely.
Northamptonshire’s community strategy 2004 to 2013
Northamptonshire’s community strategy 2004 to 2013 defines Economic, Social and Environmental (ESE) outcomes to be achieved
Economic outcomes:
- Skills of local workforce keep pace with growth in economy
- Communication and information networks use new technology
- Good support for existing businesses and inward investment
Social outcomes:
- People from all backgrounds contribute to the community
- All communities are confidently engaged
- People feel safe
Environmental outcomes:
- Balance growth with sustainable development sensitively
- Use energy carefully and minimise waste, recycling when possible
- Cherish the urban and rural fabric of the County
In order to get the most value from this course, please take time to obtain a copy of your Community Strategy and familiarise yourself with the ESE objectives.
When you are ready to start, please Register or Sign In to access the courses.