What is social value?

Social value is about creating positive, lasting benefits for communities beyond the core purpose of a contract or project. In public sector procurement, it means delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives, strengthen local economies and protect the environment.

By embedding social value into procurement, we ensure that every pound spent delivers more than just a product or service, it contributes to a fairer, greener and more resilient society.

Our social value commitment includes:

Helping people

Supporting local employment and skills by creating jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities.

Helping communities

Investing in health, education, and social initiatives that make a real difference.

Helping the environment

Reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, and protecting natural resources.

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.

Case studies

Supporting the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter

We had a paw-sitively purr-fect day volunteering at Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter with our Water Retail supplier Wave.

Volunteer day at Northumberland College Zoo

We spent the day helping with animal care and conservation projects at Northumberland College Zoo with our amazing Electricity supplier EDF.

Volunteer day at PACTNE

We spent an amazing day with our Energy supplier EDF (UK) supporting local charity Parent and Child Together North East by helping to restore their woodland area in Darlington.

Tree planting with Wave

We joined forces with Wave, Northumberland County Council and North Tyneside Council to boost wildlife biodiversity by planting over 300 tree saplings at Stamfordham Sports Pavilion.

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

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