HSV leads by example in social procurement

HealthShare Victoria (HSV) has had the opportunity to test our own processes and their operation in supporting initiatives such as social procurement. For our first major internal procurement contract, we have engaged Clean Force Property Services, a flagship social enterprise of WISE Employment Ltd (WISE).

Following a competitive tender, evaluation and commercial value-for-money assessment, Clean Force has been engaged to provide cleaning, hygiene and waste services at our new Derrimut Distribution Centre (DC).

Clean Force employs people who are living with a range of barriers to work, with up to half of its 300 employees regarded as disadvantaged.

Joe Neill, HSV Director of Procurement, says Clean Force has a proven track record over 20 years in business in Melbourne.

“It is very rewarding to be able to realise commercial contracting benefits within direct social procurement. We have a strong focus on working with organisations providing high-quality services. When this is possible with an organisation that provides long-term paid employment and skills development for marginalised people it is even more satisfying,” says Joe.

“We help health services comply with Social Procurement Framework requirements and we’ve taken the opportunity in our first internal procurement activity as HSV to not only establish a strong commercial agreement, but to lead by example with a positive social outcome,” he says.

Clean Force is one of Australia’s oldest and most successful social enterprises.

Jim Dinuccio, who leads WISE Employment’s National Social Enterprises functions, says Clean Force is very pleased to be partnering with HSV.

“This is our first major direct engagement with a Victorian government agency working within the state’s Social Procurement Framework,” says Jim.

“Clean Force prides itself in delivering quality cleaning services and material social impact in the form of employment for disadvantaged people and we commend HSV for working with us to service this important site,” he says.

Daniel Gonie is one of the Clean Force team members working at the Distribution Centre.

“I went through training and then started getting experience. You go to work, and if you’re having trouble they help you through and connect you to more training,” says Daniel.

“They really care about their workers,” he says.

The agreement commenced on 1 June 2021 and the Clean Force team has now successfully transitioned to full duties at the 22,500 square metre DC, which is central to HSV’s expanded medical consumables supply chain operations.

For more information about Clean Force Property Services please visit cleanforce.com.au.

For more information about Victoria’s Social Procurement Framework please visit the social procurement page on this website.

Photo copyright: (2021) HealthShare Victoria and Clean Force Property Services employees