The hidden power of procurement in social housing  

Procurement isn’t just a function. It’s a force. Across the UK social housing sector, procurement teams have an unparalleled opportunity to shape communities, deliver social impact, and drive innovation. But this potential can only be unlocked by harnessing the right tools, strategies, and practices.  

With the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023, organisations in social housing are tasked not only with compliance but with leveraging procurement as a competitive advantage. Richard Brooks, Partner at Anthony Collins delves into how this legislative shift intersects with sector challenges and the potential for lasting transformation. 

Four months in – unpacking the Procurement Act 2023  

The procurement act promised a simplified, transparent, and more flexible system. But is it delivering what it intended?  

• Simpler processes? Not quite. While combining regulations under one framework is helpful, many continue to find notices and requirements overwhelmingly complex.  

• More flexibility? Partially. The introduction of the competitive flexible procedure is a standout improvement, enabling housing providers to design bespoke procurement strategies. However, there’s room for more refinement.  

• Transparency? Absolutely. With contract disclosures and performance assessments baked into the new system, social housing providers have unparalleled visibility into public spending. For example, contracts above £5 million now require detailed performance disclosures, which not only highlight compliance but reveal quality standards.  

• Opening opportunities for SMEs? The introduction of measures to support small businesses is a positive step. Yet, challenges such as lengthy application forms and compliance barriers persist.  

The overarching theme? A promising framework, but one that’s only as effective as its execution.  

Why it matters for social housing  

Social housing faces unique challenges that demand innovative procurement solutions.  

1. Regulatory alignment 

With key frameworks such as Awaab’s law redefining tenant safety expectations, procurement teams must prioritise this new reality. From fire safety contracts to zero-carbon projects, staying ahead means embedding compliance into contracts from the outset. This means for social housing providers to align your organisation’s procurement strategy with compliance priorities for bottom-line protection and tenant care.  

2. Addressing the sector’s ageing stock

Did you know that 59% of England’s council homes were built before 1980? Combined with mounting decent homes requirements, this creates a critical demand for timely upgrades spanning roofs, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. Innovative procurement processes need to accelerate these initiatives. For example, a housing association introduced an incentive model within their roofing contracts to ensure KPI adherence, speeding up replacement timelines while maintaining quality.  

3. Innovating through technology 

AI systems are transforming housing management by automating tenant communications, flagging maintenance needs, and delivering precise energy usage insights. Procurement processes can expedite these transformations.  

But remember, innovation isn’t always natural for suppliers. Pre-market engagement is crucial in uncovering cutting-edge solutions. Whether it’s nanotechnologies for improving insulation or drones for site surveys, effective dialogue is key. 

4. Social value prioritisation 

Social housing procurement isn’t about the cheapest option. It’s about long-term value. From employing local contractors to sustainability criteria, procurements must have people and planet at the heart of planning. Here a three quick wins that social housing associations can put into action: 

• Partner with SMEs for local employment boosts.  

• Mandate sustainability standards in contracts.  

• Evaluate long-term cost over initial expenditure.  

5. Sustaining community impact 

Procurement isn’t just about homes; it’s about building communities. Every supplier relationship offers the chance to improve lives, whether it’s creating job opportunities, sourcing local solutions, or implementing sustainable development initiatives.  

6. Unlocking practical procurement strategies 

Procurement transformation doesn’t happen overnight. But by embedding practical strategies, social housing providers can begin to feel the impact today.  

7. Proactive pre-market engagement 

Don’t wait until the tendering process. Engage with suppliers early to explore possibilities, educate them on requirements, and gauge potential blockers.  

7. Transparent KPIs standards 

Focus on creating measurable and meaningful KPIs that contractors can realistically meet. Performance dashboards are one example of how organisations build accountability. 

8. Simplify responses for SMEs

Make small changes like shortening lengthy application forms, offering digital onboarding sessions, or eliminating unnecessary selection phases to attract innovative small suppliers.  

The role of technology in procurement  

From automating low-value tasks to driving analytics-led decisions, technology is reshaping procurement at every stage. AI solutions, in particular, offer massive value for contract management, bid evaluation, and predictive sourcing. For example, AI-powered platforms can predict trends in material supply chains, improving budget planning and identifying cost-saving opportunities.  

And yet, adapting new technology requires cultural readiness. This means investing in training and offering teams scalable tools with minimal friction.  

The road ahead  

The Procurement Act, while imperfect, presents an exciting opportunity for social housing providers to lead procurement into a new era of transparency, performance, and purpose-driven outcomes. But here’s the truth: tools and rules alone won’t make the change. It’s the mindset of housing providers that will.  

The future of procurement is transparent, flexible, and socially impactful. The question is, are you ready to take the plunge?  

Richard Brooks presented this topic at PfH Live 2025