January 2022

Social Value Unit begin roll out of training to prepare public bodies and suppliers for scoring social value ahead of 1st June 2022 mandate

July 2021

Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, announces a new policy (PPN 01/21) which will see mandatory scoring of social value within public procurement contracts from 1st June 2022.

April 2021

Commitment to Social Value confirmed in the Letter of Expectation for 21/22 from the First & deputy First Minister which states:

“The Executive is committed to achieving the maximum social value from public sector investment and procurements. In order to help achieve this, you will work with CPD and departments to seek opportunities to develop and extend the Buy Social approach”

September 2020

The Buy Social Unit carry out a review which recommends the Unit rebrand to the Social Value Unit to reflect the broader remit of the Unit.

July 2019

The Buy Social model for ICT contracts is piloted.

April 2016

Buy Social becomes mandatory in construction and civil engineering contracts. Buy Social requirements are to be used in procurement above £2m for buildings contracts and above £4m for civil engineering contracts.