To date, limited research on social procurement has been generated. As resources permit, SPA and its partners commission research and provide input to research undertaken by others. As new relevant research becomes available it will be added here – copies where possible, or links to where it can be found. If you are aware of any relevant research that others may be interested in accessing we would welcome hearing about it. The availability of quality research and data is critical to greater adoption of social procurement policies and strategies.
Australia
Insights into Social Procurement: From Policy to Practice 
This publication provides discussion on useful approaches to developing and implementing social procurement strategies. This is based on interviews conducted with representatives of three State government departments that currently have social procurement programs underway. It also provides provides five snapshot case studies that highlight how social procurement can assist with local economic development objectives.
Corporate Social Procurement in Australia 
A joint report from Social Traders and The Faculty on the success stories and challenges of corporate social procurement in Australia, published in 2014.
Social Procurement and its implications for Social Enterprise
A Literature Review by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) on the implications of implications of social procurement on Social Enterprises in Australia.
Kensington Cleaning Social Procurement Report
This study evaluates the Kensington Cleaning social enterprise – a partnership between AMES and Urban Communities to establish a cleaning enterprise on the Kensington Redevelopment, a public-private housing development. The report includes a case for social procurement that will be used to promote the value of social procurement to government.
Social Procurement in Australia 
This research into Social Procurement in Australia, published in 2010 looks at social procurement cross-sectorally. It is a practical exploration of social procurement practice and theory.
Social Procurement in Australia – Case Study Compendium 
This compendium of social procurement case studies is a supplement to the report ‘Social Procurement in Australia’. The case studies are best contextualized and framed when read as part of the broader report as they designed to unpack some of the concepts and ideas presented there. Each case study highlights particular learnings that may inspire or assist others in developing social procurement policies or practices. These case studies were chosen because they highlight some of the key learning for both suppliers and purchasers and therefore contribute to the development of further knowledge in relation to social procurement more broadly.
Overseas
Scottish Government Community Benefits in Public Procurement
A review of the findings of the Community Benefits in Public Procurement Pilot Programme designed to promote the use of Community Benefit, in particular, targeted recruitment and training (TR&T), clauses, in public contracts.
UK public procurement policy and the delivery of public value
Review of UK Procurement Policies and the consideration of commercial and public values.
The impact of Procurement Policy and Practice on Social Sustainability
An exploration of the impact of procurement policy and practice on social sustainability in the UK.
Social Return on Investment Guide – UK Cabinet Office
A detailed Guide to the application of Social Return on Investment (SROI) to measure social impact.
