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Social Security Scotland - Supported Business Framework

Social Security Scotland has awarded two contracts worth £2 million for the provision of furniture for its office buildings in Dundee and Glasgow to Supported Businesses. Social Security Scotland is encouraging other organisations and businesses to consider following a similar path.

Supported Businesses – An Important Part of Procurement

Social Security Scotland was created to deliver a social security system for the people of Scotland based on our fundamental principles of dignity, fairness and respect. It is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, and since 2018, it has introduced 13 benefits. Seven of these are completely new forms of financial support, only available in Scotland.

Using the opportunity to build a brand new public service fit for the future, Social Security Scotland is focused on the positive benefits of procurement to deliver and influence outcomes that are good for the people of Scotland. This includes providing better public services, positive social, economic and environmental outcomes and to contributing to a range of local and national policies.

Natalie McCrindle, Head of Procurement and Commercial at Social Security Scotland, commented: "I would encourage any public sector organisation to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the Scottish Government Supported Businesses Framework, and consider how they can take positive steps to make Supported Businesses a consideration in their procurement activity.”

Supporting Businesses Successfully

By working with supported businesses, Social Security Scotland helps to bring people into local workforces in Dundee and Glasgow who have missed out on employment opportunities. One such business is Dovetail Enterprises, which is based in Dundee.

Garry Laing, Commercial Manager of Dovetail Enterprises, commented:

"The award of the contract couldn’t have come at a better time for us. It kept our cash flow moving during the time of the pandemic when there was very little being manufactured.

"Our situation was further helped by Social Security Scotland making prompt payment, which is extremely important in maintaining a reliable income, which helps to ensure that we can continue with our primary goal which is to provide employment and training opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged members of society."

Current Contract Opportunities

As part of its commitment to working with supported businesses - which are enterprises where at least 30% of the workforce has a disability or a disadvantage – Social Security Scotland has placed two contracts worth £2 million for the provision of furniture for its head office in Dundee and its office building in Glasgow. The contracts awarded to Dovetail Enterprises and others provided value for public money and quality office furniture, including tables, desks and chairs.

For more information, take a look the Social Security Scotland Annual Procurement Report 2021-2022.