Scottish Government Procurement Strategy 2017-2019

Ministerial foreword

We have a clear vision in Scotland - to focus government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.

The public sector spends around £11 billion a year buying goods, services and works. This means that public procurement is significant in helping to support inclusive growth. It has the potential to deliver significant efficiency and value-for-money improvements and done well, can improve access to public contracts for suppliers. Increasingly, buyers are working creatively to deliver broader social, environmental and economic benefits by making sure sustainability is firmly established in their work.

Unlocking these potential benefits from procurement can help us foster jobs and growth, encourage innovation, and boost training and apprenticeship opportunities. And good procurement practice can and should play a key role in helping small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs), third-sector organisations and supported businesses compete effectively for contracts.

This strategy sets out how we will use procurement to support our commitment to increasing sustainable economic growth, and to deliver significant benefits for the people and communities we serve.

Throughout the life of this strategy we will review and improve upon it, and we will publish in an annual report our performance in delivering it.

Derek Mackay
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Constitution