Social value adds to what we achieve through public procurement by providing social, economic and environmental benefits that can make a real difference to the communities we serve.

We work in partnership with our members, suppliers, and other key stakeholders to deliver positive social value outcomes. NEPO’s social value programme enables our suppliers to use their skills, knowledge, opportunities and resources to make a difference for the communities, residents and environment across our region.

Our latest report highlights NEPO’s longstanding commitment to the North East and reflects the work Member Authorities have undertaken as part of a shared desire to support social development. Across the 2024-2025 programme of procurement renewals, NEPO secured social value outcomes with suppliers committed to delivering jobs and apprenticeships, supporting communities, investing in supply chains and reducing carbon emissions.

Social value delivery

Whether it’s giving a helping hand to community groups, improving the environment or supporting charities, our social value delivery aims to bring about real change.

Civil Engineering contractor, Esh Construction, teamed up with NE1 to deliver a miniature Tyne Bridge landmark at the Tiny Toon play village in Old Eldon Square.

Electricity supplier, EDF Business Scolutions, partnered with NEPO to improve biodiversity for animals at Northumberland College Zoo.

Albany Furniture donated £2,000 to support South Bank Community Land Trust in providing vital food services in Tees Valley.

The National Association of Women in Construction visited the Stockton Waterfront Urban Park site with students from Middlesbrough College.

VolkerStevin delivered STEM careers talks and activities to schools in Sunderland as part of their Civil Engineering contract on Keel Crossing footbridge.

Art students from Newcastle College were given the unique opportunity to bring the history of the Tyne Bridge to life through 13 standout artworks.

Redcar & Cleveland College student given carpentry and joinery placement with Construction Works contractor, T.Manners & Cons Ltd.

BAM Construction delivered STEM engagement and careers sessions to County Durham schools as part of their Wolsingham Causeway Bridge contract.

NEPRO Three delivery partner, Bloom, donated to Westlea Primary School's Eco Warriors group as part of the Bloom Catalyst Fund.

Water Retail Services supplier, Wave, plant woodland and maintain biodiversity at Bearpark in County Durham.

Collaborative social value efforts see County Durham learning centre for young people receive a refreshed look thanks to BAM Construction.

Case studies

Helping Hands Make a Wild Difference at Northumberland College Zoo

NEPO and EDF Energy colleagues volunteered at Northumberland College Zoo to support its animal care and biodiversity efforts. Activities ranged from feeding squirrel monkeys to improving enclosures for animals including alpacas and goats. The day strengthened community links while contributing to the zoo’s ongoing conservation work.

Helping Paws and People at the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter

NEPO teamed up with Wave for a paw‑sitively purr‑fect volunteering day at Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter, where volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help with cleaning, feeding, playing with the animals and pitching in on essential maintenance tasks. Their support made a huge difference to the shelter’s four‑legged residents and strengthened our shared commitment to social value.

A Day Rooted in Social Value and Sustainability

NEPO and Wave teamed up to plant over 300 native tree saplings at Stamfordham Sports Pavilion, supporting the Great Northumberland Forest initiative. Volunteers from NEPO, Wave and local councils helped create a shelter belt designed to boost biodiversity, provide wildlife corridors and enhance the local environment.

[Four NEPO staff members in field at Stamfordham on a tree planting day. They are holding various pieces of equipment ]needed to plant trees]

Creating Brighter Futures for Families in Need

NEPO and EDF Energy volunteers joined forces to renovate the accommodation at Parent and Child Together North East (PACTNE), supporting vulnerable families across Tees Valley and North Yorkshire. Their work included tree planting, path building, garden tidying and decorating, helping create safer, more welcoming surroundings for the families at PACTNE.

A group of NEPO staff on a volunteer day at PACT NE

Resources

Embedding Social Value in Procurement

This new guide from Action Sustainability provides SMEs with actionable strategies, tools and insights to help them understand and deliver social value effectively.

Embedding Social Value in Procurement: A Practical Guide for SMEs

Good Work Pledge

The Good Work Pledge is designed to recognise organisations that demonstrate your commitment to providing ‘good jobs’, these are jobs that provide security, development opportunities, fair representation, and a decent standard of living as a minimum.

Find out more

What's next?

A North East ESG Model is being developed which will deliver the North East’s priorities. The Model will reduce the confusion about what social value is and how it is included in public procurement. It will move away from complex formulas and focus on what can be delivered by buyers and suppliers.

Watch this space for more information on the new North East ESG Model, or join our LinkedIn Group to keep up to date with the latest developments, events and examples of social value activities from across the region.

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