Driving social value in organisations

Why this course matters

Social value is increasingly recognised as a core component of organisational performance, not a peripheral add-on. Procurement requirements, investor expectations and stakeholder scrutiny are raising the bar for how organisations demonstrate their contribution to communities, employees and the environment. This course helps learners understand what social value means in practice, why it matters and how to create, measure and communicate it effectively.

  • Learners explore the concept of social value and its key dimensions: community well-being, environmental sustainability, inclusivity and health. The course examines the legislative and policy drivers shaping social value expectations in the UK, including the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, Procurement Policy Note 06/20 and the Procurement Act 2023. Learners are introduced to measurement frameworks including Social Return on Investment (SROI), the National TOMs Framework, GRI and ISO 26000, and explore the distinction between embedded and additional social value. Practical strategies for creating social value are examined across employees, communities and the planet, alongside the role of policy, planning and political influence in shaping opportunities and outcomes.

  • Learners consider how social value shows up in their own organisational context, examining where opportunities exist to strengthen positive impact and where gaps between stated values and lived outcomes may exist. Practical examples support understanding of how social value is created through everyday business decisions.

  • Learners will gain confidence in defining, measuring and contributing to social value creation. They will understand how a strong social value approach supports stakeholder trust, access to contracts, employee engagement and long-term organisational resilience.

  • This course is valuable for learners at all levels and across all sectors, particularly those in procurement, strategy, community engagement, people management, communications or sustainability roles.