The Dutch government wanted to strengthen the ability of public procurement professionals to integrate social criteria — such as human rights — into their tendering processes.
“How can we equip civil servants with the knowledge and tools to make public procurement more socially responsible?”
There was a clear need for structured training tailored to the realities of procurement practice.
As the national expertise centre on public procurement, PIANOo plays a central role in guiding contracting authorities in the Netherlands. With growing attention to human rights, labour conditions, and due diligence in supply chains, procurement officers needed practical guidance on how to embed these themes in tenders and supplier assessments — while navigating legal and operational constraints.
Together with Conducto and Twinkel, Human Rights at Work co-developed the content for a new Social Public Procurement Academy, which included:
Public procurement is one of the most powerful tools governments have to drive respect for human rights — but only if professionals are equipped to act. An academy helps bridge the gap between ambition and implementation.
We are eager to collaborate with companies that want to make a difference. Whether you are just starting or already more advanced: we help you take next steps to truly make an impact. Feel free to get in touch for an introductory meeting.
