Organisation: Government Outcomes Lab (GO Lab)
Policy Area: Procurement
After many years of experience implementing with the European Union’s directive on public procurement, the UK is now engaged in developing new legislation that the government promises will transform public procurement. Chaired by Michael Bowsher QC, this Social Outcomes Conference session explores public procurement law reform initiatives in the UK and around the world in relation to public services designed to tackle social challenges.
We are promised solutions to COVID-19 and climate change through public procurement, while issues of transparency and accountably persist. Will new law help?
Malcolm Harbour and Richard Simmons both argued that procurement should be considered a lever for improving outcomes and a vehicle that can drive change. Joyce Liddle discussed the importance of ongoing engagement when working in procurement and the need to involve stakeholders from the beginning to get added social value. Speakers highlighted need for better open data across the entire cycle of public contract and a well-designed system that minimises corruption.
Listen to the audio recording of the session.