News & Opinion
Read the latest updates from the Social Value Engine team.
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.
What is the new Social Value Model?
If you’re working in public procurement, bidding for government contracts, or supporting organisations that do, you’ve probably come across PPN 002 (2025) – the latest update to the UK Government’s Social Value Model. But what does it actually mean in practice?
Preparing for the new Procurement Act: what VCSEs need to know and how the Social Value Engine can help
The new Procurement Act is reshaping public sector purchasing and placing social value at the heart of contract decisions. This shift offers exciting opportunities for Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations, but it also raises the bar on how to measure and prove social impact.
Measuring what matters: the social value of hospices
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.