Case Study 1 – Advancing Equality for Young People

The council recently established a new contract: Counselling for care experienced young people. This is underpinned by the Promise Scotland to care experienced young people, “You will grow up loved, safe and respected”.

The specification of the requirement was co-produced between officers from the social work department with insight, involvement and help directly from care experienced young people.

The evaluation process involved presentations by tenderers to a group of care experienced young people who were provided the responsibility to interview, ask questions and score tenderers. Ultimately, the choice of successful contractor was made by the care experienced young people.

The resultant contract will operate for an initial 12 month period with opportunity to extend for up to an additional 3 years if it proves to be successful.  The procurement of this contract has departed from normal procurement evaluation practice and has instead used a progressive approach focussed on the choice and decisions of the contract users (who are the care experience young people) per the Equality Duty.

Case Study 2 – Advancing Equality with our Supply Partners

The council’s recent contract established for removals and storage was awarded to Doree Bonner (A division of Kelerbray Limited), and provides an example of a contractor working with the council to fulfil the obligation of the Equality Duty.

In their tender proposal, Doree Bonner confirmed that the company has an equality policy and this is put into practice in the following ways:

• the company is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst their workforce
• their workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give of their best
• the company aim is to provide equality and fairness for all employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, gender reassignment, marital status (including civil partnerships), race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age
• the company state that they oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination
• all employees, whether part-time, full-time or temporary are treated fairly and with respect
• selection for employment, promotion, training or any other benefit is made on the basis of aptitude and ability
• their employees are helped and encouraged to develop their full potential.

The equality policy is fully supported by their senior management and will be monitored and reviewed annually.