More and more public sector contracts in NI now have social value integrated into them. Social Enterprises are the best organisations to deliver this, usually in partnership with the private sector.
To help with this match making service and to help unlock this valuable revenue stream for social enterprises, SENI has developed ‘Procurement Ready – Business Assessment’.
This targeted initiative is designed to support organisations to assess their readiness for corporate partnerships and to build practical, outcome‑focused relationships with private sector partners.
What the opportunity offers
Successful organisations will receive tailored, one‑to‑one support to help them understand and enhance their potential to engage in social value partnerships with the private sector.
The opportunity includes:
- Bespoke baseline assessment
Three organisations will be selected to work on a 1:1 basis to undertake a comprehensive baseline assessment of their current capacity, readiness, and potential to partner effectively with private sector organisations via tendering processes. - Expert delivery support
The baseline assessment will be delivered by Viable Corporate Services, bringing specialist expertise in corporate engagement, partnership development, and social value. - Brokered partnership development
SENI staff will identify two potential private sector partners and actively broker relationships between these partners and participating organisations, with the aim of supporting the formation of a social value partnership.
How it works
- Competitive selection process
Organisations will be selected through a competitive process to ensure readiness, commitment, and alignment with the aims of the programme. - One‑to‑one assessment phase
Selected organisations will undertake a structured baseline assessment with Viable Corporate Services, identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities for corporate partnership working. - Partnership brokering and support
SENI will facilitate introductions and support engagement with identified private sector partners, working towards the development of a mutually beneficial social value partnership.
Who should apply
This opportunity is ideal for organisations that:
- Are interested in developing or strengthening relationships with private sector partners
- Want to better understand how they can deliver and articulate social value
- Are open to collaboration and partnership working via competitive tender processes
- Can commit time and senior engagement to the assessment and partnership process