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Written question asked by Baroness Finn (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 April 2026. It was answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Labour) on Monday, 13 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Horizon Shortfall Scheme: Appeals

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeal contract with Addleshaw Goddard LLP, as listed in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for government’s most important contracts: data for July to September 2025, published on 25 December 2025, why increasing the percentage of female partners by 2 per cent over the contract period is a KPI for delivery of that contract.

Answer

Under the 2020 Procurement Policy Note (since updated) departments must explicitly evaluate Social Value (SV) in most procurements above the relevant financial threshold, where it is related and proportionate to the contract, to ensure that public spending delivers wider economic, social and environmental benefits alongside the goods or services being purchased. The policy note also mandates an appropriate KPI.

The Government’s SV Model provided a menu of outcomes aligned to government priorities. The outcome selected was tackling inequality in the supplier’s workforce which included focus on women in shortlists for recruitment and promotions, with the chosen KPI aligning to that.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL16075
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Appeals Women Addleshaw Goddard Horizon shortfall scheme
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk