Partnering with RSBi: Relationships That Deliver Social Value

At Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS), we believe how we source and supply matters just as much as what we supply. Our partnership with Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi) in Glasgow is a strong example of procurement that goes beyond price – delivering quality products and lasting benefits for people, communities and the wider economy.

About RSBi

RSBi is one of Europe’s largest supported employers, with more than half of its workforce made up of disabled people or people with additional support needs.
RSBi is part of City Building (Glasgow) – a joint venture between Wheatley and Glasgow City Council – and manufactures a wide range of high-quality products at its Glasgow facility, including kitchen units, adapted furniture, Integrated Plumbing System cubicles, and uPVC windows and doors.

Its track record spans decades, supplying public sector clients across Scotland with quality products that carry a genuine social purpose.

The partnership

JPS is proud to include RSBi within our supply chain, making its kitchen products available to framework partners and public sector clients across the country. By connecting RSBi to new contract opportunities through the JPS network, we’re helping the organisation do more of what it does best: manufacture outstanding products and create meaningful employment.

New kitchen contracts secured through South Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and Stirling councils are already making a tangible difference. Together, these contracts will mean 39 additional kitchens manufactured per week and have directly supported the creation of 12 new jobs at RSBi, including administration, production and driver roles.

Quality you can rely on

This partnership is built on social purpose – and it’s backed by products we’re proud to put our name to. Contractors’ feedback highlights RSBi’s kitchen quality as “very good and above the normal social housing standard”, with details like solid melamine faced chipboard backboards on units (rather than thinner hardboard or plywood) helping to deliver a robust, long-lasting finish. 

Social value that delivers

At JPS, we know great partnerships deliver more than materials – they deliver on promises to communities. Our relationship with RSBi is a clear expression of that commitment, and it’s already generating:

• 12 new jobs created for people with disabilities and additional support needs. 
• 39 additional kitchens manufactured per week, increasing RSBi’s production capacity and long-term sustainability. 
• Increased financial independence for people furthest from the labour market, reducing reliance on welfare support.
• Support for public sector procurement duties under the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, Fair Work First principles, and Community Wealth Building. 
• Circular social value – where every kitchen purchased through JPS frameworks helps generate employment, skills and community benefit in Scotland.

Going further together

We’re also working alongside RSBi to strengthen how impact is measured and communicated – supporting the development of impact reporting and helping share the real-life stories of the people whose lives are changed through supported employment.

We want clients and framework partners to see – and feel – the difference their purchasing decisions make.

Why this matters to your organisation

Organisations working with JPS benefit from a supply chain that delivers social value – not as an add-on, but as a core part of how we do business. Choosing RSBi kitchens means:

• High-quality, purpose-built products at competitive prices. 
• Measurable social value contributions you can be proud of – and celebrate.
• Alignment with public sector duties on inclusive procurement and equality.
• A direct contribution to reducing inequality and building more resilient local communities.