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Buy Social Scotland

National Services Scotland sign the Buy Social Pledge

National Services Scotland has reinforced its commitment to creating a positive impact on local communities, by vowing to support social enterprises through the Buy Social Pledge.

The Buy Social Pledge, an initiative from Social Enterprise Scotland, brings together corporate businesses, SMEs, academic institutions, and public sector bodies looking to make a commitment to bring social enterprises into their supply chains. It allows businesses and institutions to harness their purchasing power for good and contribute to positive social change in local communities.

Organisations who sign up to the Buy Social Pledge commit to promoting inclusive economic growth. The pledge signifies a transformative approach, where businesses become the key drivers for positive, measurable change in the communities.

Kate Henderson, Head of Procurement at National Services Scotland said “NSS are delighted to support the Buy Social Pledge. As an Anchor Organisation, we recognise the important role we play in using our purchasing power to champion social enterprises. The Buy Social Pledge is a practical way for NSS to support community wealth building, inclusive economic growth and the transition to Net Zero, while continuing to deliver value and assurance for public spend.”

Jamie Lawson, Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Manager at Social Enterprise Scotland said “By committing to purchase from social enterprises, National Services Scotland (NSS) is setting a powerful example of how organisations with our sector support can effectively and efficiently build community wealth and promote a more inclusive economy across Scotland.

“We are delighted to welcome NSS to the Buy Social Pledge and hope their example will inspire other Health Boards and fellow Anchor Organisations to harness the power of social enterprise and drive meaningful and lasting change.”

The pledge sees organisations commit to 5 key actions:

  1. Recognise Fair Work for All – champion fair work principles, prioritise Real Living Wages, narrow the Gender Pay Gap, foster Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and eradicate zero-hour contracts
  2. Environmental Impact for a Sustainable Tomorrow – embrace a net zero policy
  3. Support Social Enterprises – onboard and promote social enterprises within their supply chains, helping to foster an ecosystem that nurtures and supports these invaluable organisations, amplifying their positive impact.
  4. Prompt Payment, Ethical Business – organisations will commit to prompt payment, resulting in ethical business relationships.
  5. Measure Positive Impact – Commit transparency and accountability by reporting annual spend with social enterprises.

For more information about the pledge, and to get involved to champion change, drive progress and build a better future for both business and communities in Scotland, please visit https://www.buysocialscotland.com/business/buy-social-pledge