An introduction to the procurement process and how trade union organisers can influence it to improve pay and conditions for outsourced workers.

In this context, the procurement process refers to the formal process whereby an organisation decides which company to outsource services and staff to and the terms of the contract. This can include pay, terms and conditions for the outsourced staff.

Our default position remains that bringing workers back ‘in house’ is the overarching aim. Using the procurement process can be an important step in an insourcing campaign or a method to win for members while campaign strength is being built. Our next webinars will focus on campaigning for insourcing, details tbc.

This webinar is for union officials and activists who organise with outsourced workers. No prior knowledge of procurement is required. Attendees with experience of the procurement process will have the opportunity to share their experience.

The webinar will focus on the procurement process where staff are already outsourced. However, it will still be relevant where currently 'in house' staff are under threat of being outsourced.

It will cover:

• Key elements of procurement rules, including the obligations on the contracting authority and suppliers.
• How trade unions can use the procurement process to secure good working conditions for outsourced workers.
• How the new Procurement Act that will impact on opportunities for trade unions.
• Examples of success.
• Resources with further information.

Speakers

• Kevin Russell, UNISON head of bargaining support, on key elements and stages of procurement legislation you need to be aware of.
• Dr Joyce Mamode and Professor Tessa Wright, authors of Buying Social Justice Through Procurement toolkit, on how equalities can be used to influence the process.
• Tabusam Ahmed, Unite Regional Officer, on her practical experience of improving terms and conditions for outsourced workers through the procurement process.

This webinar is part of the Our Work Matters campaign, a collaborative joint union campaign led by members of trade unions who represent outsourced workers and supported by the TUC.

Will you take action for fair pay, secure contracts and respect for outsourced workers? We need workers and supporters to work together to build this campaign.

Join the campaign

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