Does the DWP approach comply with Compact agreements?
Nothing in the Compact overrides the fundamental requirement for government departments to promote fair and open competition in accordance with public procurement policy and EU Regulations. Under this principle of “competitive neutrality” competition must be fair between different classes of market participants so that there is a level playing field between public, private, and voluntary sector providers of goods and services. DWP procurement officials are therefore not allowed to discriminate in favour of any particular organisation or group. We are taking all reasonable steps to ensure that voluntary sector organisations have the opportunity to be involved in Jobcentre Plus programmes.
