NI Water is preparing to host its Social Value Supplier Engagement Event next week.

Registration has officially opened for the event, which is being delivered in partnership with the Social Value Unit at the Strategic Investment Board (SIB). It will take place on Thursday 30 June 2022 at 8.45am to 11.30am.

Public procurement in Northern Ireland is changing and it is now mandatory to score social value in services and works contracts. To learn more about this new change, NI Water and the Social Value Unit at SIB are encouraging contractors, the third sector, public and private organisations to join them for what promises to be an informative and engaging event.

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Ronan Larkin, NI Water's Director of Finance, Regulation and Commercial commented: "Each year NI Water spends more than £300m on goods, services and capital works. This level of spend, coupled with the introduction of this new policy, offers us all a real opportunity to drive lasting and positive change across our communities.

"While NI Water has already put in place solid foundations to fully embrace Social Value, we do acknowledge that change can sometimes present challenges. However, I hope that this event, along with our continued engagement with suppliers, will demonstrate our commitment to support our supply chain."

Welcoming the new policy change, Stacey McAlister, Head of Operations from Mount Charles, a company recently successful in securing a new contract (with NI Water) said: "We are privileged to be the first supplier in NI Water to have had Social Value scored in our tender. The support and guidance provided by the NI Water team made the process of incorporating Social Value in our bid very straightforward. We now look forward to delivering this Social Value for NI Water and the wider community during the life of this contract."

To book your virtual attendance, click here.