Release date: 10 June 2022
Hundreds of laptop computers have been distributed by West Sussex County Council to help vulnerable people access digital services.
More than 750 computers have been allocated to organisations across the county including residential care homes, day care providers, carer support groups, the library service, youth groups and those which support victims of domestic violence.
The laptops were donated by the council’s IT services provider XMA, in line with the authority’s Social Value Framework. This Framework requires suppliers to bring long-term benefits to communities in West Sussex, over and above the requirements of their contracts.
The majority of the laptops donated by XMA have already been distributed to recipient organisations throughout West Sussex by staff from the council’s Adults’ Services team, the Library Service and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “I’d like to thank XMA for their generous donation and I’m delighted that these laptops are already being put to good use by organisations across the county.
“This is a fantastic example of departments across the council coming together to bring about positive outcomes and provide facilities to people who may otherwise have struggled to access them.”
Andy Wright, Commercial Director of XMA, said: “XMA are delighted to have played a small part in supporting West Sussex County Council in making technology accessible to a wider audience. We all have an important part to play in supporting people in any way we can.”
The Social Value Framework is key to helping achieve the four priorities outlined in Our Council Plan, West Sussex County Council's corporate plan for 2021-2025.
These priorities are keeping people safe from vulnerable situations, building a sustainable and prosperous economy, helping people and communities to fulfil their potential, and making the best use of resources.
Jeremy Hunt, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, said: “The majority of our major procurements already include the requirement to provide social value, and we are committed to ensuring that at least 80% of new tenders over the value of £500,000 will have social value criteria included by 2024/25.
“This could be anything from creating local employment opportunities, offering work placements to school children and young adults, encouraging community engagement, or providing opportunities for individuals or groups facing greater social or economic barriers.
“I’m pleased that as a local authority we are leading the way by incorporating social value into our commissioning and procurement activity, but I’m even happier to see people across West Sussex benefiting as a direct result.”
Any businesses or suppliers wishing to discuss how they can support West Sussex County Council deliver social value for our local community can email procurement@westsussex.gov.uk
