Devon Discounts

Devon Discounts – frequently asked questions

1. Can I apply to be a supplier? Am I eligible?

Devon Discounts exists to promote discounts to employees of Devon County Council, and in doing so relies on the supplier trading fairly and honestly. We are therefore likely to decline applications from suppliers where:

  • there is no demonstrable benefit to consumers or other customers in the goods or services being supplied by the business
  • the goods or services offer an alleged benefit which is not capable of being substantiated
  • the goods or services being offered cannot be lawfully supplied in the UK
  • the services being offered are of a broadly financial investment nature, that rely on the future value of goods or land, speculation on commodity, shares or other products, unless the products, business and sales representatives are regulated by the Financial Services Authority or similar regulator
  • the goods or services being offered are such that the local authority or other business members would incur a risk to their reputation by association
  • the goods or services being offered are of a religious, spiritual or personal belief nature such that membership might be construed as endorsing that religion or belief
  • there is information in the public domain about the applicant supplier which may, by association, damage the reputation of Devon County Council

We will avoid products and services, which do not align with Devon’s Environmental policy and particularly welcome environmentally friendly products and services, such as those that:

  • come from companies or organisations working to reduce their carbon emissions and signed up to the Devon Climate Emergency Declaration (where relevant)
  • help to reduce water use
  • do not contain hazardous chemicals
  • reduce demand for energy
  • avoid single-use plastics and products contributing to plastic pollution
  • contain re-used or recycled materials and are easily re-used or recycled at end of their life, including any packaging
  • use local service delivery, reducing road miles, and/or using low-carbon transport or shared transport
  • celebrate Devon’s wonderful natural environment, wildlife and rich historic heritage

The specific categories of supplier organisations, products or services which may not be promoted through Devon Discounts are as follows:

Types of organisations

  • Political parties
  • Political organisations
  • Organisations that promote racism or discrimination
  • Any organisation associated with ‘adult industries’ or pornography

Types or products and services

  • Tobacco
  • Alcohol
  • Gambling
  • Weaponry
  • Promotion of unhealthy foods (from a public health perspective)
  • Pornography
  • Adult content

Devon County Council wishes to ensure that there can be no questions as to content suitability. Therefore, any content or advertising which has an overtly sexual ‘tone’ will also be excluded.

We will also not accept a Devon Discount from any supplier or organisation that is in financial or legal dispute with the Council, and we will also show caution with discounts or offers where an organisation or supplier is in:

  • the process of a planning application
  • the process of a tender application
  • conflict with local residents over a planned development in the county; and association with an organisation or supplier may conflict with the work of the council and our partners

2. I have a business and want to provide an offer to Devon County Council employees, what should I do?

You will need to:

  • ensure you have read the information on becoming a Devon Discounts supplier
  • read the supplier terms and conditions
  • submit an offer using our form

You will be emailed with an agreement (PDF) based on the supplier terms and conditions to sign and send back to us. Our ‘scrutiny group’ then checks the offer and we will contact you.

3. Who makes up the Devon Discounts scrutiny group?

HR, Legal, Procurement and Trading Standards at Devon County Council.

4. Is Devon County Council endorsing the offers supplied on Devon Discounts?

No. Information held about a supplier does not imply an endorsement of that supplier or its services by Devon County Council. Please refer to the disclaimer.