Socially responsible procurement occurs when organisations design their procurement processes to deliver social outcomes as well as, or as an alternative to, normal economic measures of value. For example, supply chain partners internationally may be encouraged to observe international standards for employment conditions and to allow free association of workers. The definition of value for money may be configured so that social outcomes such as the use of local labour, or the engagement of apprentices, or the participation of disadvantaged groups is given a weighting in the bid evaluation.

Social & Sustainable Procurement training is available at Academy of Procurement.