Social value – the value an organisation contributes to society beyond its reported profit – has permanently shifted how we do business. With global climate, energy and cost of living crises, how will the movement evolve this year?
E3M was created in 2012 to support UK social enterprises that deliver public services. A decade on, commissioning has improved – but culture and attitudes to risk still block progressive public procurement.
An extra £56bn a year in social value could be squeezed out of public sector contracts and used to “level up the country”, tackle Net Zero and strengthen communities, claims a new report from big businesses and UK social enterprise leaders.
The woman who acts as a contact point between the social enterprise and voluntary sector and the UK government emphasises the economic case for the role of the sector in delivering public contracts at the UK National Social Value Conference.
After a decade of slow burn, the author of the UK's Social Value Act predicts a bright future for businesses that offer positive social and environmental impact as well as value for money to public sector commissioners.
The UK’s landmark Social Value Act has “infinite potential” to influence change, says Chris White, the former MP who authored the Act ten years ago, as a new coalition is formed to push forward progress by 2032.
The House of Lords has been exploring how public services can be bolder in ‘levelling up’ communities around the UK. Three experts told the Lords Public Sector Services Committee why 15% 'added value' isn't good enough.
A 10% weighting for social value in selecting government contracts – potentially rising to 20% – plus new requirement to pay a living wage welcomed as “major step forward” as Northern Ireland plays catch-up with rest of UK.
Civil society minister Baroness Barran says support was “substantial” – but recognises many social enterprises wish government had done more, as business leaders tell of eating into their reserves in first evidence session.
