Sustainable procurement in health and social care in Northern Ireland

Abstract

This article reports on a sustainable public procurement project in Northern Ireland. The authors found that limited official guidance was available, especially on equality; nevertheless staff had positive attitudes and sustainability criteria were being embedded in procurement processes. While there is a need to overcome limited knowledge on social aspects and whole life costing, sustainable procurement was found to be compatible with efficiency. Sustainable procurement, if used effectively by confident and well-qualified staff, can achieve not only sustainability goals but also those relating to efficiency and economic recovery.

Keywords:

• Efficiency
• health and social care
• sustainable procurement
• whole life costing

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank staff of PaLS and the deputy director, Peter Wilson, for their forbearance and encouragement throughout the project.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrew Erridge

Andrew Erridge is Professor of Public Policy and Management, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland.

Sean Hennigan

Sean Hennigan is Research Associate in Sustainable Procurement, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland.