Equality in Contracts

One of the issues identified in the Corporate Procurement Strategy is the requirement for procurement activity to support equality and diversity. To this end a leaflet has been produced that explains the Council's expectations of companies that do business with it and identifies where companies can obtain further advice and guidance.

The leaflet is available in the Downloads section, or a printed copy is available on request from the Strategic Procurement team.

Sample equal opportunities policy

The first step in developing equal opportunities is to adopt a policy. The Commission for Racial Equality has published an example of an equality policy on its website which we feel is a good starting point. A link to this policy is available in the 'related links' section.

Note that it is not a 'model' policy. It gives brief guidance on aspects of employment that require special attention if equality of opportunity is to be provided. It covers some of the most basic points regarding advertising, selection and recruitment, positive action and personnel records. Most employers however will need to expand and/or adapt the policy to suit their own particular needs and circumstances.

E-procurement equality statement

The Council is aware that some faiths, for example, the Christian Brethren, may be prohibited from trading online via websites. The Council accepts that some suppliers may have objections to the use of e-procurement technologies on religious or moral grounds.

The Council does not wish to exclude any suppliers who, on religious or moral grounds, refuse to use electronic procurement methods. Therefore the Council will ensure that alternate (non-digital) methods are available to such suppliers to enable them to trade with the Council.

National Procurement Concordat for SMEs

Wakefield Council has signed the National Procurement Concordat for SMEs (small and medium size enterprises), available from 'Downloads'.

Wakefield District Compact

The Wakefield District Compact is a written agreement between the statutory sector and the voluntary and community sectors. It aims to improve relationships so that everyone works together more effectively. The Compact is available in 'Related Downloads' (warning - large file - 1Mb).

IDeA Procurement Fitness Check

In November 2004 the IDeA carried out a procurement fitness check of the Council. The review team's report is available for download (see 'Downloads').