What is Social Value? ….and why should we care

Why does it matter It is enshrined in law – Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 Social value” is a way of thinking about how scarce resources are allocated and used. It involves looking beyond the price of each individual contract and looking at what the collective benefit to a community is when a public body chooses to award a contract. Source: Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 – a brief guide, Social Enterprise UK

What does that mean in practice? Since the passing of the Act public bodies in England & Wales need to consider how the services they commission and procure might improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area. Put simply 'we' public bodies need to think more about the pounds we spend and how we can best use that spending power to further social, economic and environmental wellbeing in Bolton. Is it just about public bodies as highlighted in legislation? Is it just about the impact of the legislation? I think not and will say why

…and what could it mean for the voluntary and community sector? Do you understand your own social value – are you taking advantage of training in social accounting etc that is available? Why is this important? If you can describe the social value outcomes of your work – you will be seen positively by funders. It is a useful exercise to think clearly about how your values, priorities fit with the public bodies you work with – and talk to them about this they may have to rethink too. Just as worthwhile to understand where values and priorities do not align! I think a joint commitment to social value is important – see over!

Social value – can we use it as a catalyst for change? What next – Council and other public bodies are already complying with the Social Value Act – but is this enough and are we making the most of the opportunities Do we have an opportunity now to define social values for an ‘active, connected and prosperous by 2030’ – inclusive; distinctive; decent; warm and friendly We made a start on this at the Vision Conference - Appreciative Inquiry at Vision Conference further engagement on way Have you seen ‘From the grassroots up’ – if not you should – it ‘says’ a lot!

How does it help us collectively in Bolton? Gives us an opportunity to think more collaboratively – we want to use resources better together and to realise jointly agreed outcomes Public funding will continue to contract – how do we maintain funding and other resources for the things that we collectively value? A focus on social value and how it disciplines us to think differently means we can tell a social story of what matters in Bolton – think about the purpose behind 'From the grassroots up‘ film!

DISCUSSION