Public authorities spend £236 billion each year on buying goods, works or services from other organisations across every sector. This purchasing power can be used by public authorities as a way to advance equality and, where appropriate, achieve wider social benefits, such as creating training or employment opportunities.
The Equality Act 2010 (the Act) sets out anti-discrimination law and the requirements of the public sector equality duty (PSED). Compliance with the PSED should help public authorities ensure that the goods, services and works they procure are fit for
purpose – thus ensuring they meet the needs of their users. As such it should also be seen as an effective tool for improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness and therefore value for money.
This guidance explains how public authorities may approach the task of ensuring that they comply with their PSED obligations at different stages of the procurement cycle and takes you through equality issues that you may need to consider at each stage. Our website also includes links to useful reference materials such as complementary guidance products, case studies and training modules.