Waltham Forest Council has adopted a new Procurement Policy, aligning with the Procurement Act 2023 and the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) 2025, to ensure ethical, sustainable, and inclusive procurement practices. This update is driven by changes in legislation and the need to align with national policy.
The updated policy, discussed at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 15 July 2025, supports the council's strategic objectives under Mission Waltham Forest, including addressing climate change, promoting equality, and fostering innovation. The policy also ensures effective, transparent, and value-driven use of public funds, aligning with the council's strategic objectives, such as promoting social value, supporting local economies, and achieving environmental sustainability.
The policy sets rigorous standards for transparency, fairness, and ethical conduct, while also prioritizing the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), and other underrepresented groups in procurement processes.
According to the meeting agenda, Councillor Paul Douglas, Portfolio Lead Member for Finance and Resources, presented the update. The policy also underlines the significance of ethical behaviour, equality, and inclusivity in procurement practices through alignment with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Code of Ethics. It mandates robust measures to eliminate discrimination, enhance workforce diversity, and prevent workplace harassment.
The Procurement Policy Update - Cabinet report signed states that the policy supports the Council by embedding social value clauses into contracts, which encourage the creation of apprenticeships, employment opportunities for underrepresented groups, and the use of local supply chains. This approach strengthens the local economy and promotes community resilience.
The policy actively promotes eco-friendly procurement practices, encouraging suppliers to adopt sustainable methods and reduce their environmental impact. This aligns with the borough's commitment to addressing climate change and improving environmental outcomes. Furthermore, the policy enhances fairness and diversity within the supply chain. Through its Supplier Charter, the Council sets clear expectations for ethical conduct, equality, and inclusivity, ensuring that all suppliers operate in line with the borough's values.
