Enhancing VET for Social Impact through Public Procurement

The template gives the general structure to develop the modules for the training program. Based on the innovation book the several topics of social entrepreneurship and social enterprises will be presented. Every module with its specific central points and needs must be designed in this structure. In Combination with the central Power Point Presentation the content is a guide for the trainers and trainees to teach and pass the training. The structure give space for the trainers to customize the lesson plans. Breaks, time units, exercises etc. can be aligned to the specific needs of any target group.

This module “Legislation and Regulations” establishes the legal foundations for the effective development of the social economy and the implementation of Social Public Procurement (SPP) within the EU and national contexts in partner countries. It clarifies the rights, obligations, and opportunities of both social enterprises and contracting authorities, enabling the lawful and strategic use of socially responsible procurement practices. By presenting the relevant EU framework (2.1 EU social economy framework and public procurement schemes) alongside national regulations in partner countries (2.2 Existing Regulations and Legislation per partner country), the module supports fairness, transparency, and full legal compliance throughout procurement processes, while reducing legal risks and strengthening sound governance. The second chapter “2.2 Existing Regulations and Legislation per partner country” provides an overview of the national regulatory frameworks on social economy and social public procurement across the partner countries—Germany, Italy, Greece, Spain, Romania, Bulgaria, Malta, and Cyprus. It presents the current situation in each country, outlining the legal and institutional context for social economy development, the role and status of social enterprises, and the extent to which social considerations are integrated into public procurement practices. By mapping similarities, differences, and levels of maturity among national frameworks, this chapter offers valuable insight into existing opportunities, constraints, and implementation practices at the national level. In the third chapter “2.3 Tendering processes and contracting laws for public procurement in EU”, participants are introduced to EU public procurement principles, tendering procedures, and contracting rules, with a focus on how social and sustainability objectives can be legally embedded into procurement without deviating from competition and efficiency requirements. The module highlights practical mechanisms such as MEAT award criteria, social performance clauses, reserved contracts, and the light regime for social services. Overall, it builds a shared legal understanding and common language that facilitates cooperation, co-design, and alignment between procurement practice and broader social and sustainability policy goals.

This module equips participants with the knowledge and tools to effectively assess the needs of Social Enterprises (SEs) and align those needs with relevant procurement opportunities. It focuses on understanding SE challenges, applying diagnostic techniques, and translating insights into actionable partnership or procurement pathways.

This module focuses on bid preparation and presentation in public procurement, with particular attention to organisations participating in Social Public Procurement. You learned how the bid lifecycle works, from analysing tender opportunities and procurement documentation to preparing, submitting and reviewing bids. The module explained the importance of compliance and mandatory requirements, showing that even strong bids may be excluded if basic requirements are not met. You explored how evaluation criteria and scoring systems work, and how to prepare structured bid responses that clearly address what evaluators are looking for. A key topic was how to present social value and impact in a concrete and measurable way within SPP procedures. The module also covered tender submission procedures, common mistakes and the clarification phase, helping you understand how to avoid errors that may affect evaluation results.

This module explores contract management processes and how to monitor social impact effectively.

Module 6 focuses on the role of partnerships between social enterprises and contracting authorities as a key mechanism for strengthening Social Public Procurement and increasing social value through public spending. Building on the regulatory and conceptual foundations introduced in previous modules, it supports learners in moving from policy frameworks to practical collaboration approaches that enable social objectives to be effectively integrated into public procurement processes. Learners explore how cooperation between public authorities and social enterprises can improve access to public procurement for social enterprises, while enabling contracting authorities to better address social objectives such as inclusion, employment, sustainability, and innovation. Public procurement is presented not only as an administrative procedure, but as a strategic instrument that, when supported by effective partnerships, can contribute to both social and economic development at local, regional, and national levels. The module examines different collaborative procurement schemes and partnership models, highlighting the importance of early engagement, clear communication, and shared objectives. Particular attention is given to the roles and responsibilities of each partner and to the conditions required for successful collaboration. Learners develop practical skills to initiate, structure, and manage partnerships, with attention to governance arrangements, coordination mechanisms, and common challenges that may arise during procurement preparation and contract implementation. Through practical activities and case examples, learners reflect on key success factors and barriers in partnership-based procurement, such as organisational readiness, institutional capacity, and trust between partners. The module also links partnership practices to social outcomes, showing how well-managed collaboration supports accountability, transparency, and measurable social impact throughout the procurement lifecycle. Overall, Module 6 equips learners with applied competences to build and manage partnerships between social enterprises and contracting authorities. These competences strengthen learners’ ability to contribute to inclusive and socially responsible procurement practices and create a clear connection to subsequent modules on contract management, social impact monitoring, and policy influence. In line with the WP3 methodological approach, Module 6 also supports the identification, validation, and certification of competences (ICV) related to partnership-building in Social Public Procurement. The module contributes to making learners’ competences visible and transferable, particularly those linked to collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and governance in procurement contexts. By focusing on applied skills such as partnership design, coordination, and communication between social enterprises and contracting authorities, the module enables learners to document and demonstrate competences that are relevant for professional development, mobility, and recognition within VET pathways and the social economy ecosystem. To further enhance the module, more interactive and hands-on learning activities would allow participants to apply theory to practice more effectively. The tools presented were beneficial in principle, but greater real-world application exercises would enhance the utility for contracting authorities. Interactive elements such as scenario simulations or more case studies would be beneficial. Additionally, the governance and monitoring aspects of partnerships could be expanded.

This module introduces the core principles and practical application of Social Impact Assessment (SIA). It reinforces the understanding that creating positive social impact requires evidence-based thinking, ethical awareness, and continuous learning rather than good intentions alone. The module begins by clarifying what social impact is and why Social Impact Assessment is essential for projects, programmes, and policies. Learners develop a shared understanding of key concepts, ethical principles, stakeholder participation, and equity considerations that underpin responsible impact work. A major focus is placed on data collection and measurement. Learners acquire practical skills in selecting meaningful indicators, designing realistic and cost-effective data collection strategies, and combining quantitative and qualitative methods while respecting ethical standards such as confidentiality and inclusiveness. The module then introduces the Theory of Change as a central framework for analysing and interpreting social impact. Participants learn how to link activities to outputs, outcomes, and long-term impact, examine assumptions, and interpret data in context. Emphasis is placed on understanding drivers of change, assessing significance, and recognising unintended effects. Communication and reporting of social impact form another key pillar of the module. Learners develop the ability to translate complex data into clear and engaging narratives, use visual and storytelling techniques, tailor communication to different audiences, and connect impact evidence to decision-making and policy processes. Overall, this module equips learners with foundational skills in measuring, analysing, and communicating social impact. These competencies support the following modules by establishing an evidence-based mindset and providing practical tools for improving social outcomes, accountability, and strategic decision-making.

This module has explored advocacy and policy influence as essential competences for strengthening the social dimension of public procurement. Moving beyond a purely technical understanding of Social Public Procurement, the module has framed procurement as a policy instrument shaped by political priorities, institutional choices, and stakeholder engagement. Participants have been guided to understand how procurement decisions are embedded within broader policy environments and how social objectives are introduced, negotiated, and implemented through public decision-making processes. By analysing the policy cycle, the module has highlighted that opportunities for influence exist at different stages, from agenda setting to evaluation, and that engagement is not limited to formal decision-making moments. A central focus of the module has been the role of advocacy as a structured and legitimate way to influence procurement-related policies and practices. Advocacy has been presented as a strategic process that combines analysis, dialogue, evidence, and collaboration. Particular attention has been given to advocacy strategies that support social enterprises by addressing barriers to participation in public procurement and by promoting more inclusive and socially responsible approaches. The module has also emphasised the importance of stakeholder mapping and engagement. Understanding power dynamics, interests, and relationships among actors involved in Social Public Procurement has been identified as a prerequisite for effective advocacy. Building alliances and engaging constructively with public authorities and other stakeholders have been highlighted as key elements for achieving sustainable policy impact. Public consultations and institutional dialogue have been explored as concrete mechanisms through which stakeholders can interact with decision-makers and contribute to policy development. The module has provided guidance on how to prepare effective contributions and how to engage with local authorities in a way that is both strategic and constructive. Finally, the module has encouraged reflection on advocacy as a long-term capacity rather than a one-off activity. Participants have been invited to consider how the competences acquired can be transferred to their own professional and territorial contexts, recognising that even small, well-planned actions can contribute to meaningful and lasting change in Social Public Procurement practices. Overall, Module 8 equips participants with the conceptual understanding, strategic perspective, and practical orientation needed to engage proactively in shaping procurement policies that support social value, social enterprises, and inclusive public outcomes.

Final evaluation and certificate