Forth Valley College has made history by becoming the first Scottish college to sign the Buy Social Pledge, an initiative that empowers organisations to use their purchasing power for social and environmental good across Scotland’s communities.
This move demonstrates the college’s firm commitment to driving inclusive local economic growth by supporting the region’s thriving social enterprise sector.
The pledge, run by Social Enterprise Scotland, brings together corporate businesses, SMEs, academic institutions, and public sector bodies in a shared commitment to integrating social enterprises into their supply chains. It allows businesses and institutions to harness their purchasing power and contribute to positive social change in the communities in which they work. By signing the pledge, Forth Valley College is pledging to embed ethical, values-led procurement into its everyday operations.
This move marks a significant boost for community wealth building in Scotland - an approach that ensures local communities retain and benefit from local economic success. Through this commitment, the college is helping to redirect its spending back into the local economy, creating jobs, supporting social impact, and building resilient communities.
Jamie Lawson, Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Manager, said: "Forth Valley College is setting an example for the entire education sector in Scotland. By signing the Buy Social Pledge, they are not only supporting our vibrant network of social enterprises but also playing a crucial role in building a fairer, more inclusive economy. This is what community wealth building looks like in action."
Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: "We are incredibly proud to be the first Scottish college to commit to the Buy Social Pledge. As an anchor institution in our region, we recognise the power of procurement to deliver positive social change. This pledge reinforces our ambition to support local communities, reduce inequality, and contribute to a fairer and more sustainable Scotland."
The college will now work closely with Social Enterprise Scotland and its partners to identify new procurement opportunities, raise awareness and promote the value of working with social enterprises.
With this pledge, Forth Valley College joins a growing movement of businesses, local authorities, and public bodies across Scotland who are using their spending to create meaningful social and environmental impact.
For more information about the pledge, and to get involved to champion change, drive progress and build a better future for both business and communities in Scotland, please visit https://www.buysocialscotland.com/business/buy-social-pledge
