One year after their Open Letter to the Local Government Association, the VCSE voice is even more critical.

Co-Design or Crisis: Rethinking procurement in the VCSE sector’s perfect storm
- June 9, 2025
- Opinion
One year after their Open Letter to the Local Government Association, the VCSE voice is even more critical.
When we talk about social value, the focus is usually on the positives: improved lives, stronger communities, better outcomes. That makes sense. These are the results we all hope for when we support social projects or shape public policy....
In a climate of tightening budgets and growing demand, making the right decisions about where to invest has never been more critical. This article explores how social value measurement can serve as a strategic compass -- helping public sector...
Hospices provide essential care and support, but their full impact often goes unrecognised. Social value assessments help quantify their contributions, strengthening funding applications and policy influence.
Recognising the importance of understanding rural and island life, the Social Value Engine recently hosted a webinar featuring expert speakers deeply embedded in Scotland’s island communities. This event highlighted how social value approaches can play a critical role in...
The grasp of social value within the VCSE sector varies considerably across the UK. Many organisations already recognise the importance of measuring their impact.
Give a person a fish, and you feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime. Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu (adapted)
The journey towards integrating social value into our economic systems is both a challenge and an opportunity. It requires us to rethink our priorities, values, and mechanisms for decision-making.