BALFOUR Beatty is the latest organisation to sign the Buy Social Pledge, a new initiative that sees businesses use their everyday spending to make a tangible difference to improving social and environmental impact across Scotland’s communities.
The Buy Social Pledge, run by Social Enterprise Scotland, brings together corporate businesses, SMEs, academic institutions, and public sector bodies looking to make a commitment to bring social enterprises into their supply chains.
Organisations who sign up to the Buy Social Pledge commit to fostering inclusive economic growth. The pledge signifies a transformative approach to doing business, where businesses become catalysts for positive change in communities.
Balfour Beatty already works with many Social and Supported Enterprises across Scotland such as Giraffe Catering at Dunfermline Learning Campus who provide jobs and training for people with disabilities, Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, who provide support, employment and training for veterans and Edible Estates in Edinburgh – a community interest company established in 2017 to promote and establish community growing projects, particularly in Council estates.
Bethany Welsh, Social Impact Advisor at Balfour Beatty, said: “We are thrilled to join the Buy Social Pledge, reinforcing our commitment to fostering social and environmental progress through our procurement practices.
By continuing to integrate social enterprises into our supply chain, we aim to drive inclusive economic growth and create lasting positive impacts within the communities we serve across Scotland.”
Chris Martin, CEO at Social Enterprise Scotland, said:
“By joining the Buy Social Pledge, businesses can use their spend to create substantial social and environmental benefits. We are excited to welcome Balfour Beatty as they join other pioneers in this initiative. Their commitment will not only drive positive changes within their supply chain but also inspire other organisations to contribute towards building a more inclusive, green and sustainable economy in Scotland.”
“We are delighted to see Balfour Beatty join several other early adopters in signing the Buy Social Pledge and look forward to working with Bethany and her team to unlock their purchasing power to drive positive change in our communities.”
Backed by the Scottish Government and supported by several ‘early adopters’ including Balfour Beatty; City Building (Glasgow) LLP; Edinburgh Napier University; Glasgow City Council; Keegan & Pennykid; Morrison Construction; and the Robertson Group, the pledge sees organisations commit to 5 key actions:
- Recognise Fair Work for All –champion fair work principles, prioritise Real Living Wages, narrow the Gender Pay Gap, foster Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and eradicate zero-hour contracts
- Environmental Impact for a Sustainable Tomorrow – embrace a net zero policy
- Support Social Enterprises – onboard and promote social enterprises within their supply chains, helping to foster an ecosystem that nurtures and supports these invaluable organisations, amplifying their positive impact.
- Prompt Payment, Ethical Business – organisations will commit to prompt payment, resulting in ethical business relationships.
- Measure Positive Impact – Commit transparency and accountability by reporting annual spend with social enterprises.
For more information about the pledge, and to get involved to champion change, drive progress and build a better future for both business and communities in Scotland, please visit https://www.buysocialscotland.com/business/buy-social-pledge
