The world is changing… In 2012 the Government passed the Social Value Act 2012…

Great idea, as public sector struggles to support communities, it was decided that heads of procurement in the sector should not just buy on price but support businesses that gave back (people and planet)

At that time it didnt gain much traction but here we are today and it is becoming more and more important.

Originally 10% of the worth of a project had to be delivered back but now its up to 30% in some cases….

Social Value is very much about delivering what is required to win a tender and deliver on it

CSR/ESG is what you do as a business by way of delivering your values and ethics into the very heart of your culture, being authentic and being able to demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and diversity, working with the local community offering pro bono support, volunteering, work placements for schools

The next generation are not so motivated by money but really do care about working for a business that cares and gives back.

Increasingly important as if these values are embraced by all, it minimises risk, helps to win business, as wherever you are in a supply chain, businesses want to work with people who share these values, again to minimise risk, and of course to help retain staff and recruit.

Far from costing a lot of money, looking inwardly at the way you do thinks, this new approach can often save you money!

You don’t need to be BCorp endorsed to start this ethical journey … If you are a sole trader, a charity, a social enterprise allow yourself time to step out of the business and start with a survey. Easy to assume that everyone has the same perception of your brand/business – and ask everyone at every level… Including customers, suppliers, all stakeholders.

Claire recently delivered 3SC Webinar on How Social Value Act can help you win business or build stronger long term partnerships.

She kindly shared Top five tips for organisations or individuals to consider:

• Review your business and create an ESG/CSR strategy and embed into your culture – will help your HR and Marketing –
  • Recruitment
  • Keep staff
  • Build relationships with other like minded businesses (think local)
  • Win business
  • Reduce risk
  • Create a USP
  • Creating great content
  • Volunteering improves health and wellbeing by nearly 80%
  • Client loyalty
  • Carbon footprint – reduce (good for environment good way to save money)
• Do a short survey before and after – understand your management, your staff and your stakeholders, and continue to review
• Deliver good through your supply chains – find social enterprises, use independent local hotels/charities for room hire, catering etc
• Encourage your staff to become trustees of charities, school governors – engage with the local communities
• Support your schools and colleges -work placements, apprentice roles (even allowing your staff to read in local schools with local children makes them feel better and a great way to find raw talent

Remember doing good is good for business!