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.

CSR, Sustainable Procurement and Social Value

Responsible business practices can support a supplier's position in public procurement, but CSR shouldn't be confused with a specific tender requirement or social value framework.

In Scotland, sustainable public procurement is supported by the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. Its sustainable procurement duty requires contracting authorities to consider how procurement can improve economic, social and environmental wellbeing, with particular attention to reducing inequality. Buyers must also consider opportunities for SMEs, third-sector organisations and supported businesses, as well as how procurement can encourage innovation.

For suppliers, the practical point is to understand which aspects of your responsible business activity are relevant to the buyer and contract. Existing work around employment, skills, environmental sustainability, supply chains or communities can provide useful evidence, but it still needs to be connected to the tender requirements.

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

Social value is related to CSR, but the two aren't interchangeable.

For relevant central government procurements commencing from 1 January 2027, PPN 026 and the new Social Value Model focus on Good Jobs and Skills. Other public buyers may use their own social value policies or approaches such as the Social Value TOM System.

Our guide to the Social Value Model vs TOMs explains the distinction in more detail.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Environmental sustainability can also influence procurement requirements separately from social value.

For NHS suppliers, for example, the Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment provides a standard way to share sustainability information with the NHS and assess alignment with its net zero priorities. It isn't generally designed as a scored tender requirement, although completion is mandatory for specific procurement routes, including new NHS Supply Chain frameworks and NHS England medicines tenders.

Suppliers may also need to meet separate Carbon Reduction Plan requirements depending on the buyer and procurement. Thornton & Lowe's carbon reduction planning support can help businesses prepare compliant plans for relevant opportunities.

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 bid 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.