From 2026 public procurement in Wales will operate under a strengthened framework that places social value, fair work and workforce standards at the heart of public contracts.
These changes create new expectations and, for JIB members operating in Wales, real opportunities.
The policy shift
The Welsh Government has made clear that public procurement is no longer just about price and technical delivery. It is a strategic lever to deliver wider outcomes including skills development, fair employment, community benefit and long-term economic resilience.
This approach is underpinned by the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023, which introduced statutory duties on public bodies when letting contracts.
From 25 March 2026, public sector organisations in Wales must:
- Carry out procurement in a socially responsible way
- Set and publish socially responsible procurement objectives
- Take reasonable steps to include social and workforce clauses in major construction and service contracts
- Report annually on how procurement activity has delivered social, economic and environmental benefits.
Contracting in practice
For construction and engineering contracts, contracting authorities are expected to consider:
- Workforce skills and competence
- Apprenticeships, training and progression pathways
- Fair work practices and employment standards
- Supply-chain engagement and local employment
- Health, safety and workforce wellbeing.
Public bodies should evidence how these outcomes are planned, delivered and monitored, including through subcontracting arrangements.
Benefits of JIB membership
Many JIB members already invest heavily in:
- Structured training and apprenticeships – employees of JIB member companies have 27% more qualifications than the industry average
- Competence and certification through industry recognised schemes, such as ECS, which evidence alignment with competence standards
- Fair employment practices, through the JIB Collective Agreement and National Working Rules
- Workforce stability and retention, supported through the JIB Benefits Scheme, with wider support structures from private medical cover, an Employee Assistance Programme and sickness with pay.
The Welsh approach to procurement favours these commitments which companies make as JIB members.
As social value and workforce delivery become central to contract evaluation, companies which can demonstrate: employee training and development procedures, competence and safety processes, and support for fair, secure employment, will be well-placed in competitive public tenders.
The Welsh system is moving closer to recognising quality of employment and workforce assurance as part of value for money – an area where JIB members can differentiate themselves.
Transparency in the supply chain
The new requirements extend beyond main contractors. Public bodies are encouraged to ensure that social and workforce commitments flow down the supply chain. For JIB members working as subcontractors, this means:
- Increased demand for tier-one contractors to provide evidence of high workforce standards
- Clearer expectations around training, competence and employment practices
- Opportunities to position JIB membership as part of delivering contractual social value.
JIB member companies are already required to subcontract to other JIB member companies. This assures standards are maintained across the project.
Public bodies in Wales will be required to publish procurement strategies, contract registers and annual reports on socially responsible procurement. This should improve the visibility of work pipelines and upcoming policy priorities which will allow suppliers earlier engagement and better business planning. Choosing a JIB member company, for electrical works, becomes the obvious choice.
Gain the advantage with JIB membership
Welsh procurement reform is about raising the bar, not adding unnecessary bureaucracy. The consideration of workforce quality, alongside technical delivery, has the potential to reward responsible employers. This presents an advantage for JIB member companies with their investment in people, skills and standards. JIB membership demonstrates the values which a company brings to projects, communities and the long-term sustainability of the industry.
To find out how JIB membership could benefit your business, or how to better utilise the support and funding grants available, contact Roger Horne, JIB Head of Membership, at membership@jib.org.uk .
