Welsh Government Unveils New Implementation Dates for Public Procurement and Social Partnership Law

In a move set to reshape public procurement and social partnership practices in Wales, the Welsh Government has announced the rollout schedule for various provisions under the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023. This is the third commencement order related to the Act, aiming to enhance responsible procurement and collaborative governance across the nation.

Key Dates and Provisions:

• March 21, 2025: A significant portion of the Act's provisions will come into force. These include:

  • Establishing sub-groups for public procurement (Section 9(5)).
  • Regulations concerning public contracts (Section 21).
  • Responsibilities of contracting authorities (Sections 22 and 23).
  • Socially responsible procurement duties, especially in major construction and service outsourcing contracts (Sections 24 to 27).
  • Guidelines and regulations concerning outsourcing and workforce clauses (Sections 32 and 33).
  • Issuing guidance and regulations (Sections 43 and 44).

• June 30, 2025: Additional provisions will take effect, focusing on:

  • The detailed functioning of public procurement sub-groups (Sections 9(1) to 9(4)).
  • The role of these sub-groups in advising the Chief Procurement Group (Section 10).

Background and Earlier Commencement:

The Act has been gradually implemented since July 29, 2023, with several initial sections activated, laying the groundwork for these upcoming changes. Notably, sections related to the responsibilities and frameworks for contracting authorities had an earlier activation on April 1, 2024.

Impact and Expectations:

The phased activation of this legislation aims to foster a more collaborative and socially responsible approach to procurement in Wales. It encourages transparency, efficient use of public funds, and enhanced social outcomes, aligning with the Welsh Government's broader goals for sustainable development and social equity.

Jack Sargeant, the Minister for Culture, Skills, and Social Partnership, emphasized the importance of these changes in promoting a fairer and more responsible procurement process that benefits communities across Wales.

As these dates approach, stakeholders in the public and private sectors are advised to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and prepare for the transition to ensure compliance and maximize the benefits of the new framework.