Social Value Research Proposal Cooperative Councils Innovation Network (CCIN) January 2019

Social Value Definitions Objective Peopletoo wish to support the increased awareness of social value and securing social outcomes across local government and the wider public sector where related. We want to work with CCIN to gather best practice and practical examples and develop a social framework, which could be used as the basis for a valuation model. What are we trying to achieve? NACVA “Social Value is about maximising the impact of public expenditure. It looks at what is created, and sometimes what is forsaken, through a commissioning process. It is therefore also about what we value in the public realm. Social value considers more than just the financial transaction.” 01 Social Value Definitions Brighton and Hove Council "Social Value is about securing maximum impact on local priorities from all public investment.” 02

Delivering social value is often seen as an aspiration but unachievable or a secondary consideration given the financial challenges. Alternatively, it is seen in the narrow scope of the Social Value Act and hence procurement related. We continue to come across great examples in Councils and local communities and our work across all local government services confirm the potential to deliver far more social outcomes… “

Our Approach Social Value Best Practice Create core group to develop detailed project specification and outputs. What works for the sector? Social Value Best Practice Gather best practice ‘social value’ examples across Local Gov and wider public sector starting with CCIN network and then broader research across the sector. Share best practice across partners. Develop publicly available library/portal to be continuously updated. Corporate Social Value Framework Working with partners, develop framework and systematic approach across organisation to ensure that social value is one of the core outcomes measured and evaluated. Pilot social value framework with willing organisations and refine framework and evaluation methodology. Measuring Social Value Further phase from initial research. Work with partners and academic institutes to further understand social outcome measures and evaluation methodologies. Develop tool for effective measurement of social value / return on social investment. Publicise and share tool across sector.

Why the CCIN? No Funding Values & Principles Network & Contacts We are not seeking funding as Peopletoo have agreed internally to do this research As affiliate members, we believe that CCIN values and principles are aligned with social value/outcomes Network & Contacts The CCIN network and contacts will add significant value to this research and developing outputs that will add significant value to the sector Reputation Continued Learning Creates mutual positive reputation for both organisations and may raise profile of CCIN with non-members. We have already had interest form other Councils We are open to suggestions how this initiative can be maintained following the research and would appreciate the networks guidance here

“ The outcomes of our project will be achieved if social value becomes mainstreamed in local government, with a focus on savings being made considering the longer-term social impacts on local communities, rather than just making short term decisions.’"