2. Procurement and contracting in Europe In this chapter, we will identify and analyse the different approaches to procurement, understood as per definition in chapter one as service purchasing and contracting, and the national implementation of relevant EU Directive(s) in the area of long-term care. In this context, it is necessary to briefly consider the concept of ‘socially responsible procurement’ in LTC against other economic sectors. In trade, construction or manufacturing, socially responsible procurement means to embed goals such as the labour market and social inclusion of persons with disabilities and disadvantaged persons as well as other social clauses in tendering documents and awarding criteria.
This should naturally apply to procuring LTC services, where in addition to striving for decent working conditions and social inclusion, longterm care services should also attempt to attain specific ‘social qualities’, like improved quality of life for people using these services and their carers thanks to the continuity of care and service provision and improved coordination between services. Essentially, the best price-quality ratio, rather than just the most cost-effective option, should be at the centre of any contract awarded by the purchasing authorities.
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