Social inclusion

 The following social considerations concerning “social inclusion” could be relevant for procurement: -          Supporting ‘social inclusion’ and promoting social economy organisations, such as:equal access to procurement opportunities for firms owned by or employing persons from ethnic/minority groups – for example cooperatives, social enterprises and non-profit organisations; -          promoting supportive employment for persons with disabilities, including on the open labour market. The community-based economy is an alternative to the conventional economy. This alternative form of economy is not based exclusively on profit, but on the following important principles:   ·       Autonomy in management with regard to the government  ·       Employment takes priority over capital when distributing the profit  ·       The purpose is to provide services to the members and to society, which takes priority over profit  ·       A democratic decision-making process  ·       An ecologically responsible production within the framework of sustainable development  Thanks to its special character, the community-based economy also offers opportunity for employment to people who would otherwise have difficulties finding a job.  The public procurement legislation allows for contracts to be reserved exclusively for community-based economy companies, except for certain obligations in the European Directives. We advise buyers to examine, in their market research, whether the supply of goods and provision of services are suitable for community-based companies.  For more information about this subject please see the pages in Dutch or French.   Read more >>