Survey suggests widespread ignorance of Public Services (Social Value) Act

January 15, 2013

Nearly half (48%) of 300 council staff and strategists with responsibility for driving change in local government admitted that they had not heard of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, research by The Guardian has revealed.

The newspaper asked members of its local government network about changes to the way councils deliver public services.

The 2012 Act requires commissioners to consider the economic, environmental and social benefits of their approaches to procurement before the process starts. They also have to consider whether they should consult on these issues.

The Cabinet Office recently issued advice for commissioners and procurements on its effect, ahead of the legislation coming into force at the end of January.

Of those respondents surveyed by The Guardian to have heard of the Act, more felt it would make no difference (30%) than thought it would make a positive change (20%).

Other findings from the research included:

Almost half (49%) said their authority was beginning to commission public services from third parties;
One in four (24%) said their council was becoming a complete commissioning authority;
Two fifths (39%) of authorities were considering setting up a mutual or joint venture to deliver public services;
Half (48%) said staff were ambivalent towards such structures, while a quarter (27%) said they mistrusted such a move. Fewer than a quarter (24%) said there was enthusiasm among staff to work for these organisations.

Many respondents criticised the lack of training for commissioners, with more than three quarters (77%) saying they needed more training to do the job of commissioning well.

A number (14%) admitted that they were already being expected to perform jobs for which they did not have the necessary skills.

Fewer than one in ten felt fully equipped to take on the job of commissioning.

See also: Procurement Law Special Report 2012 in association with Bevan Brittan

Knowing your duty - Contracting authorities are gearing up for implementation of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012. Queenie Que addresses some of the issues raised.