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Equalities and Human Rights Commission guidance on procurement of systems
The Equality Act 2010 sets out anti-discrimination law and the requirements of the public sector equality duty (PSED). Compliance with the PSED should help public authorities ensure that the goods, services and works they procure are fit for purpose – thus ensuring they meet the needs of their users. As such, it should also be seen as an effective tool for improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness and, therefore, value for money.
The Equalities and Human Rights Commission has developed a Buying better outcomes: mainstreaming equality considerations in procurement – a guide for public authorities in England which explains how public authorities may approach the task of ensuring that they comply with their PSED obligations at different stages of the procurement cycle and takes you through equality issues that you may need to consider at each stage.
Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers (NAFP) Review of the National Fostering Contract
The Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers (NAFP) has released a briefing explaining the background and reasons for its Review of the National Fostering Contract. The NAFP is inviting commissioners and providers to partake in some scoping meetings (repeated sessions) to support this work which are taking place on Thursday 17 November 2.00pm–3.30pm, Tuesday 22 November 2.00pm–3.30pm and Wednesday 30 November 2.00pm–3.30pm.
Prior to attending, attendees will need to have read the following national contract documents:
Attendees should prepare for the session by considering:
- Is the current structure of the national contract (consisting of the overarching terms and conditions and the six schedules) effective? Is there a need to change this?
- Which terms and conditions are most problematic? What are the key clauses that the review should focus on?
If you are interested in attending a session and agree to commit to undertaking the necessary preparatory work, please email marie.tucker@nafp.co.uk specifying which of the sessions you wish to attend.
Social care careers
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched its annual recruitment campaign, ‘Made with Care’ to encourage people to join the adult social care workforce. Information on careers in adult social care and vacancies can be found on the website and includes CV writing and interview support. Councils and their partners can post job vacancies via the Department for Work and Pensions' ‘Find a job’ website where the national recruitment campaign will direct people.
Public sector greenhouse gas emissions
The Public Accounts Committee has published a report on measuring and reporting public sector greenhouse gas emissions. The report finds that the public sector as a whole lacks clear standards for measuring and reporting emissions, including in local government. We have said that Government must act fast to give councils the policy and investment framework as well as the powers and resources to deliver on the projects and culture changes that will make a difference in local communities and help achieve net zero. Councils are already taking steps to understanding local carbon emissions, using our Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool to provide a straightforward and consistent approach to calculate their own carbon baseline.
Pass the Planet
Our Pass the Planet campaign is running throughout COP27 (the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference). The campaign is promoting the great practice, projects and provision which councils from across England are delivering to address climate change. We aim to support universal learning, enable councils to share the innovative solutions and ultimately help other councils to understand how they can meet their own carbon reduction and adaptation targets. Do check out over 180 case studies from councils across the country.
Modern Slavery Scorecard for Local Authorities launch event
Thursday 17 November, 6.00pm–7.30pm
In person at Middle Eight Hotel, 66 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5BX
or register for the online event
The Sourcing Playbook – autumn webinar series
Every Tuesday lunchtime from 12.30pm to 2.00pm, 6 November–6 December
Buying services for schools – free Department for Education (DfE) webinars
Multiple online sessions will run throughout November and December
Delivering sustainability through responsible procurement (East of England Local Government Association (EELGA) webinar)
Wednesday 30 November, 10.00am–11.00am | Microsoft Teams
Regional retrofit action planning
Tuesday 6 December, 10.00am–11.30am | Zoom
Greenhouse gas accounting (including a focus on waste)
Tuesday 17 January, 10.00am–11.30am | Zoom
Decarbonising transport (LGA webinar)
Tuesday 24 January 2023, 10.00am–11.30am | Zoom
Procurement Reform Conference (London)
Wednesday 1 March 2023, 8.30am–4.00pm | Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Broad Sanctuary, London SW1P 3EE
Procurement Reform Conference (Manchester)
Tuesday 14 March 2023, 8.30am–4.00pm | Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, Portland Street, Manchester M1 4PH
The LGA Procurement team manages several LGA webpages dedicated to your needs. Please email guy.head@local.gov.uk if you would like any information added to our webpages:
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