The University of Edinburgh: Maximising Community Impact through Procurement

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What if procurement could achieve more than simply buying goods and services?

A new case study featured in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal Annual Report 2025/26 demonstrates how procurement can be a powerful tool for delivering social impact.

Through a partnership with the ESES City Region Deal and regional suppliers, the University of Edinburgh embeds community benefit requirements directly into its procurement processes—ensuring local spend drives meaningful community impact.

Creating Social Value Through Procurement

As part of its newly launched Community Plan (2025–30), the University of Edinburgh has committed to delivering community benefits through its procurement activities.

Supported by a key pillar of the University's procurement strategy, suppliers are encouraged to use the ESES Communities Portal to identify local priorities and connect directly with third-sector organisations and community groups.

This approach helps transform supply chain commitments into tangible outcomes, including:

  • Supporting local community projects

  • Strengthening third-sector organisations

  • Developing skills and opportunities

  • Delivering wider social value across the region

Watch the Story

This case study shows what can be achieved when social impact is placed at the heart of purchasing decisions.

A huge thank you to everyone featured in the video for sharing their experiences and demonstrating the value of collaboration between universities, businesses and communities.

📖 Read the full Annual Report: City Region Deal – Annual Report 2025 – 2026_FINAL

🎥 Watch the video below.

This partnership between ESESCommunities (IRES programme) and the University of Edinburgh shows how anchor institutions can use procurement to drive social and economic value. Guided by the University's 2030 Procurement Strategy, it connects suppliers with regional beneficiaries. A supplier and community organisation share the partnership's real-world impact.

This case study demonstrates that a progressive approach to Community Wealth Building can really make a difference. We would appreciate your opinion on Community Wealth Building in your local area. Please complete our short, anonymous survey to help us gauge the challenges faced by your community. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QGYW6RC