Procurement strategy

Our procurement strategy requires that the goods and services we purchase represent the best value for money by considering whole-life costs and quality. Sustainable purchasing meets this requirement. By considering costs throughout the entire lifecycle (life cycle analysis) of a product or service, the most economically, environmentally and socially sustainable choices can be made.

We aim to be considering and accounting for Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions in all procurement decision making. In addition, we're evaluating, and plan to roll out, tools to understand the carbon impact of our contracted services in order to ensure that providers deliver on their contractual carbon commitments. We'll be aiding service providers on carbon reporting as well as providing sector-based guidance on how to reduce their carbon footprint.

Corporate procurement

We spend around £260m on goods, services and works each year. Council staff are aware of the need to consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of the goods and services they buy.

Social value

Social value is a great way for us to seek benefits for our communities and residents when commissioning and procuring services, above and beyond the main subject matter of the contract. One of the main aspects of seeking social value is to ensure that we commission sustainably.