“Social value will be at the heart of this procurement.” You’ve heard it. You might have said it. But what does it really mean --- and more importantly, what does it ask of procurement?
Category: Opinion
Webinar Recap: Measuring Impact in a Climate of Challenge and Change
- July 8, 2025
- Opinion
Reflections from a recent webinar on social value, local government reform and system-wide learning.
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.
What if doing good isn’t good enough?
- April 23, 2025
- Opinion
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....
Why social value measurement matters in times of economic uncertainty
- April 17, 2025
- Opinion
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...
Measuring what matters: the social value of hospices
- March 12, 2025
- Opinion
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.
How can we build resilient island communities that harness social value for sustainable investment?
- December 3, 2024
- Opinion
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 untapped potential of social value in the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector
- March 18, 2024
- Opinion
The grasp of social value within the VCSE sector varies considerably across the UK. Many organisations already recognise the importance of measuring their impact.
Social value: would you rather have a fish, or a fishing rod?
- March 11, 2024
- Opinion
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)
Beyond wealth: reimagining economic success in the age of Social Value
- February 12, 2024
- Opinion
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.