Mission Critical: Delivering more Social Value through better procurement

A practical discussion on how the Procurement Act 2023 and the NPPS are landing across the sector — what’s changed, what’s still unclear, and how procurement teams can use new flexibilities to drive meaningful Social Value.

Panel:
Chair: Phil Broughton, Special Projects Manager - Product Portfolio and Library Build and Laura Shepherd, Associate, CIPs
Jennifer Pallister, Head of Commercial Implementation, Cabinet Office
Priya Bahara, Social Value Lead, Accenture
Joanna Gilroy, Head of Social Value & Social Return on Investment, Balfour Beatty
Darren Knowd, CEO, DrKnowd Ltd
Mark Breakenridge, Business Development Manager, BiP Solutions

The challenge
The panel explored how the Procurement Act 2023 is reshaping procurement culture: greater transparency, earlier market engagement, and the shift from MEAT to MAT. Speakers also discussed how organisations are grappling with resource pressures, variable maturity across sectors, and the need for clearer expectations on Social Value delivery.

“Eight months on from the implementation of the Act, we are seeing a real wider awareness of how Social Value can be achieved through procurement.”
Jennifer Pallister, Head of Commercial Implementation, Cabinet Office

Stats to remember
27,000+ transparency notices already published under the new regime
4.5 million children living in poverty in the UK

Key themes and insights
Transparency is increasing, with thousands of notices already issued.
Early engagement is essential as buyers are encouraged to involve suppliers and communities sooner to improve market readiness and relevance.
Skills and future workforce development are core priorities.
The new regime demands cultural as well as procedural change, requiring commissioners, and suppliers to focus on meaningful, place-based impact.

Next steps from the experts
Use competitive flexible procedures to co-design specifications with communities and suppliers
Build contract management capability so teams can track, challenge and adjust KPIs meaningfully
Engage suppliers early and often — especially SMEs and VCSEs
Prioritise place-based outcomes and long-term impact, not just short-term deliverables
Strengthen accountability: include consequences for non-delivery and use performance history in re-procurement