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Social value means looking beyond cost to consider how public money can improve lives and communities.  It’s about ensuring that contracts deliver wider benefits, such as creating jobs, supporting vulnerable people, protecting the environment, and strengthening the local economy.

Social Value in ´óÐãÊÓƵ 

We expect our suppliers and partners to contribute to the Council’s social value ambitions. 

This could include:

• supporting children in care or care leavers
• creating local job opportunities and apprenticeships
• promoting sustainability and reducing carbon impact
• actively engaging with the Councils commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant
• proposing innovative ideas that align with community needs

You can propose your own ideas or align with our identified priorities, the goal is to deliver lasting, positive change.

Principles for commissioning social value:

• Purpose-Driven Commissioning - align services with societal betterment
• Transparency and Accountability - clear communication and reporting on social value outcomes
• Stakeholder Engagement - involve a wide range of stakeholders in shaping initiatives

Goals for effective commissioning:

• Community Development - support local infrastructure, education, and quality of life
• Diversity and Inclusion - promote equal opportunities for all
• Environmental Sustainability - reduce waste, carbon emissions, and energy use while encouraging eco-friendly practices
• Economic Empowerment - support job creation, skills development, and local supply chains
• Education and Knowledge sharing - Invest in educational programmes, apprenticeships, and work placements

Actions:  

• Measurable Impact - set clear metrics and regularly report on progress
• Collaboration - partner with non-profits, government, and other stakeholders
• Employee Engagement - encourage volunteerism and community involvement
• Supplier Responsibility - prioritise suppliers committed to social value and sustainability
• Continuous Improvement - regularly update social value initiatives to address changing needs

Our principles for Commissioning Social Value:

• Purpose-Driven - services should contribute to long-term public good
• Transparency - we expect open communication and clear reporting
• Engagement - we involve communities and stakeholders in shaping outcomes

Our Key Social Value Goals:

• Community Development - strengthen local services and quality of life
• Diversity and Inclusion - champion fairness and equal opportunities
• Environmental Sustainability - reduce emissions and promote green practices
• Economic Empowerment - support local businesses and build workforce skills
• Education and Knowledge Sharing - offer training, placements, and mentoring

What We Expect in Practice:

• set measurable goals and regularly report on outcomes
• collaborate with other sectors for greater impact
• engage employees in community projects
• work with responsible suppliers who align with our values
• continuously improve social value delivery over time