Unlocking Community Benefits in Scotland
The ground breaking Procurement Reform Act (Scotland) has undoubtedly delivered significant benefits since its introduction in 2014. While the act was visionary, in its latest paper “Unlocking Community Benefits: A Scottish Perspective”, Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, outlines a number of recommendations to support further change.
To ensure that contracting authorities maximise their purchasing power, reap the benefit of the money being spent on public schemes and ensure that the effect is radiated as far as possible, all of those involved must play their part.
Balfour Beatty believes that a combination of moving towards a more collaborative approach between commissioners and contractors from the project outset, driving social value into a wider strategy for social change and establishing clear metrics for success are amongst the drivers that will boost the Procurement Reform Act and increase productivity.
Hector MacAulay, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, said: “Across Balfour Beatty, our focus is always on delivering value in the communities in which we operate. As such, we need to encourage our peers and commissioning authorities to explore new ways of working and introduce new, innovative social value solutions to bring to bear real, tangible results.
“Our collaboration with the Scottish Prison Service, which has seen us develop employability and work experience programmes for people in custody and people with convictions in Scotland, is an yet another example of how we are actively driving change within our business to provide true social benefit to the communities in which we operate.”
With its Scottish headquarters in North Lanarkshire, Balfour Beatty delivers a locally-focused service across Scotland, with the support of Balfour Beatty’s national network, expertise, resources and financial strength. Wherever it operates, the company aims to become integrated within the neighborhood, supporting the local community, local businesses and local workforce.
