Social Enterprise Plus Programme
In this section
Housing Executive Social Enterprise Procurement Directory
A key objective of Public Procurement Policy is to ensure public spend is used to create sustainable jobs, skills and businesses. Guidance details that consideration should be given to seeking quotations from social enterprise’s and community voluntary sector organisations for contracts below £50,000 (£65,000 for Utilities)
The Housing Executive are committed to ensuring, where possible, that social enterprises based in or serving our estates are included in our procurement chain. This includes when we procure for day-to-day services, for example the provision training, provision of printing, catering, IT, other professional services – this list is not an exhaustive list.
We are also keen to ensure that social enterprises, again where possible, are included in our supply chain where maintenance services are concerned. This may be acting in a sub-contracting role or where there may be the possibility of social enterprises being involved in maintenance related activities on our behalf as part of a procurement exercise.
We are drafting an internal procurement directory where Housing Executive staff can refer to when seeking quotations in line with the guidance as detailed above.
We are especially keen to hear from social enterprises that we have worked with over recent years as part of our social enterprise programmes and especially where the enterprises are based in or serving Housing Executive communities directly.
We would encourage you to register with us by clicking here.
Draft Social Investment Strategy 2025 – 2030
Consultation for our Draft Social Investment Strategy 2025 – 2030 closed on 16th May.
We currently reviewing submissions, we will review and report back in the coming weeks.
Although we are currently closed for applications our team would still like to hear from you.
Do you live or work in a Housing Executive Community?
Are you involved in, or thinking of starting a social enterprise?
We are also interested in those social enterprises who are just beginning their journey, so if you have an idea please get in contact with a member of the social enterprise team.
Christine Davis, Assistant Manager
Email: christine.davis@nihe.gov.uk
Tel. 07826866862
Amanda Ashe, Assistant Manager
Email: Amanda.Ashe@nihe.gov.uk
Tel. 07721237227
Connor Smith, Manager
Email: Connor.Smith2@nihe.gov.uk
Tel. 07795428562
Or email: socialinvestments@nihe.gov.uk
Our accessible directory lists social enterprises that serve Housing Executive communities across NI.
Social Value
Social Value policy introduced in June 2022 requires that suppliers on government contracts to partner with voluntary, community or social enterprises (VCSE) to deliver social value.
They must demonstrate this as part of the tender process.
From 1st June 2022, it is mandatory for Government departments to allocate 10% of the award criteria to social value in services and works contracts where Public Contract Regulations apply.
This policy is due to be reviewed in 2023 with a view of increasing the percentage of the total award criteria to 20% for social value.
We would encourage all community based organisations and social enterprises within our communities to sign up.
This can be done at:
Go Succeed
Go Succeed is the new go-to source for expert business advice led by Northern Ireland's eleven local councils.
Whether you're:
- a budding entrepreneur just starting out
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- or are planning to scale up
Our team of industry experts will provide tailored support and guidance to help you achieve your business goals.
Go Succeed - NI Business Support