If you’ve ever tried to wrap your head around the Victorian Social Procurement Framework (SPF), you’ll know it can feel a little… policy‑heavy. The good news? At its core, the SPF is actually pretty straightforward: it’s about using government buying power to create real social and environmental benefits for Victorians.
The Framework applies to all Victorian Government procurement – whether that’s goods, services or construction – and scales its expectations depending on the size of the contract.
So, what’s the Social Procurement Framework trying to do?
In simple terms, the Social Procurement Framework is about making sure government spending helps build a fairer, more inclusive Victoria. It does this by directing procurement toward outcomes that create real community benefit, including:
- Backing Aboriginal participation through purchasing and employment.
- Creating inclusive jobs via social enterprises, disability employment providers and priority jobseeker pathways.
- Promoting fair, safe and gender‑equitable workplaces.
- Strengthening social enterprise sectors.
- Supporting regional communities facing disadvantage.
- Driving sustainability through reduced waste, recycled materials and responsible practices.
- Acting on climate change by cutting emissions and choosing climate‑resilient goods and services.
Nothing overly complex – just intentional choices that facilitate effective social procurement. These objectives apply whether you’re buying directly from suppliers or embedding social value requirements into contracts and tenders.
How can organisations actually align with the SPF?
Even if your organisation isn’t a government buyer, SPF expectations increasingly show up in tenders, partnerships and project requirements. The key is building social value into decision-making early and having the right support to do it well.
1. Pick the social procurement objectives that truly fit your project
Not every project has to address every SPF objective. The framework is designed to help organisations focus on the outcomes most relevant to what they’re delivering and the communities impacted.
2. Build social value into planning early
Higher-value projects may require a formal Social Procurement Plan, but even smaller contracts benefit from early thinking around social and sustainability outcomes before procurement decisions are locked in.
3. Engage the right suppliers
The SPF encourages organisations to buy from Victorian Aboriginal businesses, social enterprises and Australian Disability Enterprises, with strong opportunities across consulting, services, events and delivery.
4. Use the tools and expertise available
There are practical guides, templates and case studies available through the Victorian Government website.
How The Fair Co. helps organisations adhere to the Victorian Social Procurement Framework
The Fair Co. helps organisations interpret requirements, identify practical opportunities, and apply social procurement in ways that are realistic, measurable, and aligned to project goals.
We work with teams to:
- Build practical social procurement strategies
- Strengthen tender responses
- Connect with verified Aboriginal businesses and social enterprises
- Deliver social value through real projects
If you want social procurement to feel less like compliance and more like meaningful impact, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
