Social services are provided by a mix of commercial and not-for-profit entities like NGOs. NGOs often have different operating models and motivations than other types of providers – their primary goal is to improve outcomes for New Zealanders, not to make a profit. This means they might need a different relationship management style than other sectors.
Some NGOs advocate for, and promote the rights of, members of their community. That advocacy role can be an important value for a provider, and a core part of why they exist. Agencies purchasing services from NGOs should not use the contractual relationship to prevent the NGO commenting on public policy matters, including funding issues.
The Kia Tūtahi Relationship Accord sets out the way government agencies and communities should work together. The Accord is an important commitment between the government and communities to engage effectively to achieve social, economic, cultural and environmental outcomes. It should inform how you engage and manage relationships with social service providers.
Kia Tūtahi Relationship Accord
Social services procurement means all aspects of acquiring and delivering public services for the benefit of the community, such as welfare, housing, health, education, child wellbeing, justice, and disability support services.
To deliver good social outcomes, we need to:
Competency framework
We’ve designed a framework for people working in social services procurement in the New Zealand public sector.
Social services procurement competency framework
Guide to social service procurement
While most of the three stages of the procurement process are similar for the social services sector and market-driven sectors, there are some areas where they differ.