Durham County Council has received national recognition for its work to use procurement as a tool for growth.
The council is celebrating after winning the Excellence in Social Value Award at the prestigious National GO Awards.
The prize celebrates organisations, projects or initiatives that are breaking new ground in delivering social value.
The council was recognised for its sector-leading approach in procurement, at the heart of which is the County Durham Pound. This ambitious social value programme, established in 2021, brings together housing providers, emergency services, education partners, and other institutions to increase the impact of public sector spend.
Through this approach, the local authority is making sure that every pound spent delivers measurable economic, social and environmental benefits for residents across County Durham.
It is also working to incorporate social values directly into service planning and delivery.
At the event, the council was praised for its commitment to delivering meaningful, measurable outcomes that go beyond the contract and make a genuine difference to people, places and communities.
Cllr Stephen Gray, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for transformation, efficiency, digital and procurement, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have received this award. It goes a long way towards recognising the efforts we make as an organisation, and the work we do with our partners, in using procurement as a means to drive economic growth, improve life opportunities and strengthen our communities.
“The success of the County Durham Pound demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnership, and while we’re proud of the progress made so far, we are excited to build on this momentum.”
The local authority also received Highly Commended in the Innovation in Delivering Sustainability and Social Value category at the MJ Awards.
