Social enterprise dynamic purchasing system (SEDPS)
The SEDPS enables public bodies and our supply chain to procure goods and services from voluntary, community and social enterprises, alongside other not-for-profit organisations that reinvest any surplus into their mission rather than distributing profits to shareholders.
The SEDPS is transforming public procurement by connecting buyers with organisations that put purpose before profit. We manage the SEDPS, providing consistent governance and clear standards throughout the system.
It is accessible to a broad range of public sector organisations, including government departments, arm’s length bodies and existing supply chain partners. We encourage organisations looking to increase spending with socially focused UK suppliers to engage with us and unlock greater opportunities to deliver social value through procurement while supporting mission driven UK organisations.
Testimonials
Here are some testimonials from organisations that have worked with us:
CGI IT UK
Working with the Social Enterprise Dynamic Purchasing System (SEDPS) has been a positive experience for CGI. We see it as a strong and forward-thinking approach to encouraging the use of social enterprises within the supply chain, aligning well with our own social value commitments.
As an IT supplier, integrating social enterprises directly into our core delivery can be more challenging, but SEDPS has enabled us to explore alternative routes, such as catering services, and we are actively looking at further opportunities to collaborate with social enterprises to support our wider social value objectives.
The SEDPS team have been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout, providing guidance and making the process straightforward to engage with. While we are still developing our use of the system, we believe it is a brilliant initiative that creates meaningful opportunities for socially impactful organisations.
Philippa Green – Director, Social Value at CGI IT UK
Department for Education
Using the Social Enterprise Dynamic Purchasing System (SEDPS) has been a positive experience for the Department for Education. The platform makes it straightforward to connect with government buyers and provides a clear, fair and accessible route for social enterprises to participate in public procurement opportunities.
We are strongly committed to widening participation across SMEs and VCSEs, and SEDPS has enabled us to demonstrate that commitment in practice. The structure of the system removes many of the traditional barriers smaller suppliers face, allowing them to compete on a level playing field while contributing to the government’s growth mission and helping to strengthen local prosperity.
What stood out most was how simple and supportive the process was. The system is easy to navigate, the requirements are transparent, and communication throughout has been consistent and professional. Being part of the SEDPS has given us the opportunity not only to showcase our services, but also to deliver meaningful social value within the communities we serve.
Sarah Laing Gibbens – Head of Construction Procurement
Disabled Motoring UK
When I first looked at the SEDPS process I thought it might be a bit daunting, but those initial thoughts were quickly vanquished once I got to grips with it. I found the process easy to follow and with the support of the excellent SEDPS team, I was able to navigate the process with no problems. I cannot speak highly enough of the SEDPS team who helped me with my questions, they were exceptional and I thank them all for their patience.
Now I have been through the SEDPS process from start to finish, I can say in my experience that it is a smooth, easy to follow process and I congratulate the SEDPS team for their work on making the process so streamlined and manageable.
Graham Footer – Chief Executive Disabled Motoring UK
Earthwatch Europe
Lucy and the Social Enterprise DPS team were so helpful and supportive during our application to be added to the National Highways procurement system. We were thrilled to be accepted and then to win our first contract to plant a Miyawaki Forest with National Highways. We believe this is the start of a fantastic partnership and look forward to continuing to work with the team.
Hannah Marshall – Earthwatch Europe
Ethstat Ethical
The SEDPS platform is easy to use, and it was wonderful to be asked to share thoughts on qualifying questions. The team at National Highways are all so helpful and proactive and are a pleasure to work with.
We were delighted to have won the National Highways Removal Clearance of Bridge House. This important work created significant impact including employing 13 people, 62% from disadvantaged backgrounds, attaining 12 CSCS cards and generating 2,436 hours of living-wage employment.
Environmentally, 40 Tonnes of CO2 was saved by diverting furniture from landfill, 4.3 Tonnes of furniture was removed and reused, and we had a 60% lower wastage rate than expected. Fourteen charities and schools were also supported across neighbouring areas including our very own Brit School in Croydon!
Thank you for awarding us this work. We look forward to our growing partnership together.
Yasmin Halai Carter – CEO, Ethstat Ethical
