Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources and Governance

A report was presented to Committee to invite comments on the proposal to adopt a Corporate Social Responsibility Pledge and a process for gathering baseline information.

The Corporate Social Responsibility Pledge had been developed based on the 5 Council Pledges:

·         Put people and families at the heart of everything we do

·         Tackle inequality so people have a fair chance

·         Support our communities to support themselves and each other

·         Invest in our economy to provide sustainable opportunities for employment, innovation and growth across the borough

·         Work together and fight for a better future for Gateshead Council

Whilst it is appreciated that many tenders will have specific requirements that go above and beyond what is included in the document this will be the basic standard that may be applied across all markets and types of suppliers  This approach has a number of benefits:

·         The document signals basis standards, values and direction of travel that we would like our supply chain to comply with

·         This approach covers all procurement activity regardless of markets and supplier sectors

·         The information can be used to inform tender standards for specific tender processes

·         Once the council has a baseline of information, if there are areas where the Council considers markets to be weak, we can consider whether to provide either direct support or signpost suppliers to organisations that can help them to improve.

·         There may be opportunities to generate income, for example, if suppliers identify areas of weakness where the Council has capacity or expertise, then the Council may consider opportunities to trade with suppliers to help them to upskill, for example, health and safety or resilience planning

·         We can also work with suppliers based in Gateshead to help to upskill them or educate them to enable them to compete.

It is expected that the document will be reviewed in 12 months time, once sufficient baseline information is available..

Pledge 1 – “Putting People and Families at the Heart of Everything we Do”, the Committee had no comments. 

Pledge 2 –“Tackling Inequality so People have a Fair Chance”, the Committee had no comments.

Pledge 3 – “Supporting our communities to support themselves and each other” – the Committee had no comments.

Pledge 4 – “Investing in our Economy to Provide Sustainable Opportunities for Employment, Innovation and Growth across the Borough”, - It was suggested that something should be included about wealth creation and the opportunity to re-distribute.

Please 5 – “Working together to Fight for a Better Future for Gateshead”, it was queried why the Council was in the title, it was noted that this was a typo.

It was queried about using providers who are ethical in terms of paying their corporation tax etc.  The Committee were advised that there is already requirements in procurement practice, however, it may be possible to add something in about tax.

The Committee were advised of suggestions made by a Councillor unable to attend today’s committee in relation to slightly amended wording regarding payment appropriate to the job, and in Pledge 2 where we talk about targeted recruitment practices, the Council doesn’t offer targeted recruitment practices so it has been suggested that this line be taken out.

It was suggested that we also need to concentrate on delivering best value to for the people of Gateshead.

RESOLVED – (i)        That the Committee’s comments be noted.

                        (ii)        That the approach to gathering baseline information be approved.

                        (iii)        That the content and approach be reported to Cabinet for approval.