Common use of Policy Context Clause in Contracts

Policy Context. 7.1 The overall aim of this procurement opportunity is to support the Social Enterprise Consortia Building Procurement Round (further detail is contained within the specification – referenced above). As such it is driven by the same set of policy drivers and Government initiatives. Specifically:  EU Sustainable Development strategy (2006) and ESF Cross Cutting Theme requirements (2007-2013 programme)  HM Government Small and Medium Enterprise review and strategy (Feb 2011)  HMG Big Society and Public service reform narrative (Open Public Service Bill, Localism Bill)  ‘Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders’ Bill  Feedback from SE programme of regional consultation events  ‘The Green Deal’ 7.2 The NOMS CFO Social Enterprise Programme has a number of themes, but is fundamentally about improving the ability of the social enterprise sector to participate in current and future delivery. 7.3 Whilst the government is committed to removing pre-qualification processes for contracts under £100,000 this will not impact on the main CFO procurement rounds as the lots have been and will likely remain substantially above that level. The opportunities therefore for small to medium-sized social enterprises to access these procurement rounds and other large-scale resettlement focused contracting opportunities is limited to services as part of call-off contracts, representation within the prime’s sub-contracting supply chain or as part of a substantive consortium able to meet the prime provider thresholds. 7.4 In launching the government’s strategy for small to medium-sized enterprises, the prime minister stated: 7.5 The Big Society narrative or concept anticipates increasing community led action and delivery to address social and economic priorities. The push towards Localism has amongst its objectives that of seeking to create a diverse market place with a healthy mix of provider models and scale. Additionally, there is growing interest in mutualisation models for public service delivery. All of these convergent agendas demonstrate a clear underpinning case for supporting the ability of the social enterprise sector to develop and deliver an offer within a criminal justice context, which in turn can bring wider socio-economic and environmental benefits.