DPS for Voluntary, Charitable and Social Enterprises (VCSE’s) for ad hoc and lower value Goods, Services and Works

(This DPS follows on from Prior Information Notice 2021/S 000-002370) This DPS is intended to be a platform to lower the barriers of entry and encourage VCSE’s (Voluntary, Charitable and Social Enterprises) and similar organisations such as Sheltered Workshops (organisations employing disadvantaged workers) to tender for smaller and lower value goods, services and works in and outside of the wider public sector, where specific requirements and non-core work is required. There are real challenges in enabling social value to be applied effectively primarily because organisations have conflicting pressures on delivery, risk, scale and cost management which vary. Orbit is passionate about building communities and investing in our communities. It is hoped that the growth of social suppliers is increased by working with Orbit and similar organisations across the housing and wider public and private sectors. There is an increasing desire to buy from VCSE’s and this desire is being driven by organisational ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) approaches, a generational shift in expectations along with the direction of travel of government led initiatives such as PPN's 0620 and 1120, the industrial and civil society strategies and the Social Value Act. The government is committed to tackling inequality and giving everyone across the country the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Interpretation of Social Enterprise’s is varied and so we generally use the 4 points below: 1/ Check what legal structure they are - if they are a Community Interest Company (CIC) this means they will have an asset lock on the distribution of their profits which is proof they do not distribute profits to shareholders. 2/ If they are not a CIC or a charity, ask to see their governing documents - their social or environmental mission should be in their articles of association- this should be stated as the organisation's primary purpose over commercial purposes. 3/ If they have the 'Social Enterprise Mark' this is the best certification you can get to prove they are a social enterprise. (Organisations are checked very rigorously before receiving the mark). 4/ Sheltered Workshops Use of this DPS is available to the wider public sector and other sectors. Public sector organisations are as defined here https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/nationalaccounts/uksectoraccounts/datasets/publicsectorclassificationguide