What is Social Value

Social value is defined through the Public Services Procurement Act 2012, which requires all public sector organisations, and their suppliers, to look beyond the financial cost of a contract and consider how the services they commission and procure might improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of an area. Public authorities consider the wider financial and nonfinancial value created by an organisation through its day-to-day activities in the delivery of their contracts and express it in terms of the wellbeing generated for individuals, communities, the economy and the environment. Essex County Council (ECC) wishes to collaboratively work on social value with our suppliers, partners, and the community to benefit Essex.

The National TOMs (Themes, Objectives and Measures), developed by the National Social Value Taskforce and Local Government Association aim to help organisations deliver Social Value through their procurement practices, and to assess the impact of their activities on the environment, society and economy. Below is a A 3.47 minute video, explaining Social Value and the National TOMs

Please note: ECC does not endorse a particular organisation, product or service, but aims to promote the understanding of social value practice.

Below are widely available resources, from external organisations, to further your general social value knowledge. Please note: ECC does not endorse a particular organisation, product or service, but aims to promote the understanding of social value practice.

The Social Value Maturity Index developed by the Local Government Association's National Social Value Taskforce, this is a free and easy to use tool for organisations to understand Social Value. It allows both, public and private sectors to maximise their Social Value and win more bids with councils to create stronger communities. You can use it to assess your preparedness for Social Value and plan next steps.
The Bridging the Gap: Improving Communities with the Social Value Maturity Index 32-page guide introduces the Social Value Act, the Maturity Index tool and respective performance levels.
Social Value Act 2012
Lord's Library Briefing on Social Value in Public Procurement and Government's Civil Society Strategy
Local Government Association briefing on the Lord's debate on social value
The Social Value Principles: by Social Value International and Social Value UK

The Local Government Association has produced a series of video case studies that showcase how different Local Authorities have applied the National TOMs to various types of procurements.The below videos are case studies produced to illustrate the benefits and challenges of using the National TOMs, as well as the lessons learned and best practices from each experience.

TOMs case study: EDF Energy 2.38 minute video

TOMs case study: GF Tomlinson 2.39 minute video

TOMs case study: Thrive Tribe 3.16 minute video

TOMs case study: Veolia 2.32 minute video

A Central Government study of Social Value. Social Value Implementation and Measurement Project case studies

If you have any questions about ECC social value approach or if you need information on this website in a different format, please email social.value@essex.gov.uk .

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