Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru

The Welsh Government recognises the importance of ensuring that public sector investment and procurement practices reflect our values, including our commitment to ethical standards and international law. As part of our preparations for the implementation of the Procurement Act on 24th February 2025, Welsh Government's internal procurement processes were reviewed and updated. To support these processes, regular training is provided to procurement officers and suppliers to raise awareness of ethical procurement practices and maintain the high standards required. Welsh Government continues to require suppliers to demonstrate their commitment to the Code of Practice on Ethical Employment in Supply Chains. In addition, the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 will strengthen the ethical and socially responsible dimensions of public procurement in Wales. This work is ongoing and reflects our commitment to ensuring that Welsh public money is used in a way that aligns with our values and international obligations.

Welsh Government has multiple safeguards in place to uphold its wellbeing goal of being a globally responsible Wales. The Procurement Act 2023, which came into force in February 2025, creates a clear set of rules outlining when a supplier must or may be excluded due to an exclusion ground applying.

In addition to this legislation, the Social Partnership & Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023, which comes into force early next year, includes socially responsible procurement duties which place a strong focus on global responsibility, ensuring suppliers adhere to fair work, human rights standards, ethical sourcing and global supply chain accountability.

Welsh Government also has an established Code of Practice on Ethical Employment in Supply Chains for organisations to sign up to. This includes 12 commitments designed to support ethical employment practices. There are now over 1000 organisations that have signed up to the Code.

Welsh Government wants to work with organisations that are proud of their reputation, what they deliver, and their conduct and integrity.  As part of signing up to our standard grant award letter, grant funded bodies are required to sign and accept the standard terms and conditions, including obligations to “comply with all applicable domestic or international laws or regulations or official directives”.

There was no change to the comparability factor for the Department for Transport between the first phase of the UK Government’s spending review last October and the second phase in June this year.