The Community of Practice (CoP) on Social Procurement in the context of the Big Buyers Working Together project is awaiting new regulations from the European Commission that could help advance socially responsible practices in public procurement. As Sandra Simoes, Member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Public Markets, Real Estate and Construction (IMPIC) in Portugal notes, in an interview for the GPP Helpdesk, "the CoP can leverage these changes by strengthening labour rights and working conditions."

Simões further notes that "regulations focusing on labour rights offer a framework to improve monitoring and enforcement mechanisms within procurement. In this way, the CoP can promote and help to ensure gender equality, fair wages, and safe working environments across their supply chains. We can also implement better tools for auditing/monitoring suppliers and verifying adherence to labour standards.

Upcoming regulations may emphasize the inclusion of underrepresented groups, such as people with disabilities or those from vulnerable backgrounds. The CoP can align procurement strategies to create employment opportunities for these groups, fostering inclusive economic growth. Regulations that promote sustainability can also help the CoP develop procurement strategies that prioritize environmentally friendly and socially responsible suppliers. This can lead to more sustainable supply chains and reduced environmental impact.

The CoP can benefit from regulations that encourage market dialogues and expert meetings. These interactions can provide valuable insights and help the CoP adapt their procurement criteria to align with national and international standards. By actively engaging with these regulations, the Community of Practice on Social Procurement can enhance its impact and contribute to broader social policy goals and demonstrate leadership in advancing social value and fostering responsible procurement ecosystems."

The full interview with Simões can be read here.