How Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can give you an advantage in the tender process

The Growing Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility in Public Procurement

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a significant factor in procurement and tendering. It's no longer just a nice-to-have; it's now a must-have for suppliers looking to win contracts. As a bid writing consultancy, we will explain why CSR is essential for success in the tendering process and how it can give you a competitive edge.

Corporate Social Responsibility in public procurement is essentially about how contracting authorities take account of the economic, social, environmental and equality impacts of their purchasing activity, maximising the positive outcomes and minimising the negative.

The Scottish Sustainable Action Plan and Changing Perceptions of CSR

In Scotland, the Scottish Parliament has legislation that requires companies applying for government contracts to comply with 'responsible business' criteria, aiming to improve the 'social' dimension of business growth. The Scottish Government is committed to embedding the ideals of responsible business, as evidenced by the 'Scottish Sustainable Action Plan'. This plan aims to assist the public sector in building sustainable procurement into their corporate culture and demonstrating how this is being achieved.

Perceptions are changing, and more businesses are recognising the importance of their 'green credentials' within a wider responsible business commitment. They are realising that complying with CSR criteria is not only good for society but can also deliver bottom-line business benefits.

The Diverse Marketplace of Corporate Social Responsibility

According to Jane Wood, Chief Executive Officer at Scottish Business in the Community (SBC), the marketplace for Corporate Social Responsibility is very diverse in terms of what it means to different organisations and sectors. Traditional thinking often centred around the idea that you either make a profit or go green, but doing both is not possible. However, that view is inappropriate in the current climate. Companies face pressures to maximise production without ethical consequence considerations, yet if they don't integrate CSR, they will be at a competitive disadvantage.

Social Value and Carbon Footprint in Tendering

Social Value and reducing your Carbon Footprint are two essential aspects of CSR that are increasingly important in the tendering process. Public sector organisations are looking for suppliers who can demonstrate their commitment to creating positive social and environmental impacts.

Social Value Models and TOMs Framework

The Social Value Model and the TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, and Measures) Framework are two tools that can help suppliers showcase their social value commitments in tender responses. Understanding how to use these frameworks effectively can give suppliers a competitive advantage in the bidding process.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Reducing your carbon footprint is another key aspect of CSR that is becoming increasingly important. For high value contracts or any NHS frameworks for example, suppliers now need to have Evergreen Assessments, which include carbon, sustainability and social value. Suppliers who can demonstrate their efforts to minimise their environmental impact and contribute to the UK's Net Zero targets are more likely to score higher in tender evaluations.

Preparing for Corporate Social Responsibility as a Business Looking to Grow Through Tendering

For businesses looking to grow through tendering, preparing for CSR is essential. Steps to start incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility into your business practices include:

1. Conducting a CSR audit
2. Engaging with stakeholders
3. Setting clear CSR objectives
4. Implementing CSR policies and procedures
5. Monitoring and reporting on your CSR performance

Remember, Corporate Social Responsibility is not just about ticking boxes; it's about creating genuine value for your business, your stakeholders, and the wider community. We work with clients to produce CSR documentation and bid responses!

How Thornton & Lowe Can Help with CSR and Social Value Bid Writing

At Thornton & Lowe, our expert bid writing team offers specialist CSR and Social Value Bid Writing Services to help you create compelling bid submissions that emphasise your approach to CSR, social value, and carbon footprint reduction. Our experienced nid management consultants can guide you through the entire bid process, from identifying relevant CSR and social value initiatives to showcasing your commitments effectively in your tender responses.

By working with Thornton & Lowe, you can ensure that your bids stand out from the competition and demonstrate your dedication to making a positive impact on society and the environment.