Community Benefits in Midlothian and How Local Businesses Can Get Involved

Public contracts are evolving beyond their traditional focus on cost efficiency and service quality and are increasingly seen as a vehicle for promoting community benefits—special contract conditions designed to boost the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of local communities. This approach, a key pillar of creating a Wellbeing Economy in Midlothian, offers numerous opportunities for local businesses to engage with and support their communities while reaping tangible rewards for their efforts. 

What Are Community Benefits? 

Community Benefits refer to contributions made by businesses to improve the welfare of their local area through activities that go beyond the primary purpose of their business or a public contract. These contributions can vary widely, depending on the specific needs of the community and are defined through consultation to ensure they meet the needs of local residents, businesses, and third sector organisations. 

Why Should Midlothian Businesses Get Involved? 

Boost Your Business Profile   

Engaging in Community Benefits is a fantastic way to raise the visibility of your business by supporting local causes, businesses can generate positive publicity and foster goodwill. This is especially beneficial for businesses looking to strengthen their brand and connect more closely with the community. 

Form Long-term Partnerships 

Participation in Community Benefits can lead to lasting partnerships between businesses and community organisations. For example, a business providing materials or expertise for a local garden project might continue to collaborate with the group in the future, ensuring ongoing support for the community while simplifying future contractual obligations for the business. 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Goals 

Community Benefits allow businesses to fulfil their CSR commitments by supporting local projects that contribute to the wellbeing of the area. In doing so, businesses not only enhance their reputation but also align their activities with the broader values of sustainable and ethical business practices. 

Tailored Support Opportunities 

Businesses are free to choose how they would like to contribute. Whether it’s donating equipment, offering professional advice, or providing apprenticeships, businesses can support causes that align with their capabilities and values. 

How Can Midlothian Businesses Get Involved? 

There are several ways for businesses to engage with the Community Benefits process in Midlothian: 

Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal (ESESCRD) Portal 

The ESES Communities portal allows businesses to view and select requests from local third-sector organisations (such as charities, social enterprises or community groups) within the Edinburgh and South East region. Businesses can pick projects that they feel best align with their skills or resources and negotiate with the organisation to fulfil the request. 

Discover the ESES Communities Portal 

NHS Community Benefits Gateway 

Through this platform, NHS Scotland’s procurement services and suppliers can match their resources to requests from local organisations to improve health and wellbeing. This platform offers flexibility in the types and number of requests businesses can fulfil. 

Access the NHS Community Benefits Gateway 

Business Gateway Midlothian  

The Business Gateway Midlothian Advisers work with a range of charities, community groups and social enterprises and may be able to identify a client that would match your contribution. 

To discuss this, get in touch with an adviser today 

Midlothian Council’s Community Benefits Database  

Managed by Midlothian Voluntary Action (MVA), this database lists requests from local community organisations that businesses can review and choose to support. The system is designed to make it easier for businesses to connect with local needs. 

Send your community benefits to MVA for this database  

By signing up for one or more of these platforms, businesses can easily identify opportunities where their skills, products, or services are needed most. 

For local businesses in Midlothian, Community Benefits represent a unique opportunity to support their community while also enhancing their public profile, forming long-term partnerships, and meeting CSR goals. The process is flexible, allowing businesses to tailor their contributions to meet both community needs and business capabilities. 

To find out more about how your business can offer Community Benefits in Midlothian or, if you’re a community group or third sector organisation and want to understand how you can request community benefits, contact Kate Goodall, an MVA Development Worker, who can talk you through the process and offer support.