Social Value
What is Social Value?
Social Value Act 2012 defines this as the act which “require public authorities to have regard to economic, social and environmental wellbeing in connection with public services contracts.”
This means what are providers of goods and services going to do for the the local community and environment in addition to the value of a procurement.
This is in accordance with the 3 pillars which are:
- social
- environment
- economic
How do we measure it?
We're committed to a performance and evidence-based approach to Social Value. Based on the National TOMs (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) developed by the Social Value Portal, bidders are required to propose credible targets against which performance (for the successful bidder) will be monitored. TOMs are based on Office of National Statistics data on trends up and down the country and give proxy values for things such as employment, in terms of what it means in a quantitative sense to the community. Find out more about TOMs.
Bidding for contracts
As part of the procurement process, Bidding for contracts bidders of contracts worth 100k or more will be considered for their Social Value bid to go through The Social Value Portal.
This part of the bid may be worth 10% of the contract value.
The Social Value Portal is a web-based dashboard which enables us to measure, manage and report on Social Value. In partnership with SVP and relevant stakeholders, we've created our own TOMs. Our TOMs act as a ‘menu’ to give bidders the opportunity to show what kind of Social Value they can offer relevant to our priorities. Bidders are asked to provide a quantitative value alongside a qualitative statement which states how they intend to achieve their stated bid. Full and appropriate guidance to complete the social value bid relevant to the goods, work or services being sought is provided.
Our Social Value Ask (PDF) outlines our priorities in accordance with our unique TOMs set of measures. It sets out how our suppliers can deliver Social Value to benefit our communities.
Find advice and guidance on how our suppliers can support us with their Social Value offer.
Please read our Social Value Policy (PDF)
In partnership with The Social Value Portal, we have created a Local Needs Analysis report (PDF). The purpose of creating this report is to highlight the issues that are affecting and impacting local communities within Central Bedfordshire and therefore providing some direction in the development of social value offerings. The report incorporates a deprivation analysis of economic, social, and environmental research and data to understand the key needs and opportunities to inform the delivery of Social Value to address and positively impact those in need. The Local Needs Analysis report contains information organised by TOMs Themes to help inform our suppliers Social Value commitments. By aligning to the TOMs System, our suppliers can create social value targets against measures that accurately address specific needs relevant to Central Bedfordshire.
For further information or any questions regarding our Social Value process, please email procurement@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.