News & Opinion
Read the latest updates from the Social Value Engine team.
Felicific Calculus, Doom Scrolling, and Offences Against Oneself (and a pickled head in a jar)
Recently a colleague mentioned the 18th century philosopher Jeremy Bentham, and I was immediately left pondering why the connection between Bentham and social value calculation
How charities and social enterprises can collaborate effectively for funding and impact
Collaboration is increasingly a condition of survival for charities and social enterprises. With funding stretched and competition intensifying, partnerships are often the only route to securing resources. But collaboration without genuine alignment risks failure. Establishing shared purpose, values, and measurement is now essential to delivering credible, community-focused social value.
Webinar: Getting started with social value
Are you new to social value and unsure where to begin? This practical and engaging webinar is designed to help you take your first confident steps.
What is the role of procurement in authentic social value delivery?
“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?
Webinar: Maximising Social Value in Procurement: A Practical Workshop for Public Sector Buyers
Thursday 23 October, 9:30 – 11:00AM.
Join Socitm, Crown Commercial Service and the Social Value Engine for a practical workshop on Social Value in Procurement.
Webinar Recap: Measuring Impact in a Climate of Challenge and Change
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
One year after their Open Letter to the Local Government Association, the VCSE voice is even more critical.
Webinar: Measuring Impact in a Climate of Challenge and Change
Local authorities across the UK are facing a pivotal moment. With the Government’s Devolution agenda reshaping structures and responsibilities, the ability to effectively measure, forecast, and communicate social and economic impact has never been more crucial.
Introducing Social Value Report: ‘pay as you go’ social impact reports
We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic new addition to how you can measure and evidence your social value: Social Value Report!
Connect with the Social Value Engine at the LGA Annual Conference 2025
The Social Value Engine will be exhibiting at the LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025. We invite council members, officers, and partners to connect with our team at this essential event for the local government sector, taking place at the ACC Liverpool from the 1st to the 3rd of July.
What if doing good isn’t good enough?
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. But if we only look at what’s working, we risk missing something vital. Negative impacts, while harder to face, are just as important if we want to make a real difference with the resources we have.
Why social value measurement matters in times of economic uncertainty
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 and VCSE organisations avoid costly assumptions, respond to real community needs, and ensure every pound delivers meaningful impact.