Professional Services


Finance, Warranties & Procurement Feature Presenting social value Andrew Morrison of AM Bid explains how to present social value within your bids


then leaving. If you are bidding for public contracts, then social value will form part of the


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evaluation. Buyers are legally bound by the (Public Services) Social Value Act 2012 (in England and Wales) and the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 to assess bidders’ social value (termed ‘community benefits’ in Scotland) proposals. This can form upwards of 10 per cent of the overall marks – making it a critical area to get right. In fact, there are new measures coming into effect on 1st January 2021 which will place an even greater emphasis on social value in procurement.


WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO THE BUYER? Buyers want to see social value relevant to them and their community. A boilerplate response will not score well; buyers want responses that show an understanding of their specific needs. For example, a deprived area may have a greater focus on education and training for the long-term unemployed. Most public sector bodies publish a Social Value Plan that sets out their


specific goals. You can also attend meet the buyer events, check committee papers, and ask clarification questions during bids to identify key local needs.


WHAT COUNTS AS ECONOMIC VALUE? The focus is on four main areas:


1. Jobs 2. Apprenticeships 3. Training 4. Local spending


Can your organisation create jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities in the local area? These may target a specific group like young people or the long- term unemployed. Demonstrate your understanding of the barriers faced by these


groups. Evidence that you can overcome them and set out clearly how you will do so. Partnering with local schools and community groups is a great way to get this local focus.


ocial value is the benefit of a contract on the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the local community. Buyers want to see legacy from the contract – not the circus coming to town, entertaining,


Social value offerings that are tailored, costed, measured, monitored, reported, delivered and committed to, will resonate with buyers


Any commitments must be supported by equivalent spend from the client. Be


specific – “for every £1m spent we will deliver this amount of jobs, apprenticeships or training opportunities”. If you are the incumbent contractor, state the number of jobs you will retain and the new jobs/opportunities you will create. Be bold, give guarantees and stand behind those commitments. Avoid woolly statements such as “we will aim to,” “we aspire to,” “we will strive to” – this is not the language of successful bidding. Bring the bid to life and detail what you will achieve at specific stages. For


example, in year one, two Apprentices will start, attending a named local college on day release each week. In year two, a further two Apprentices will be employed. Give as much detail as possible on what, when, where, who and how, thus giving the buyer a clear picture of your commitments. Think outside the box. One housebuilder recognised a dearth of community


facilities in the local area, so converted their site office into a community venue at the end of the project. Social value can also be achieved through the goods and services you buy.


Some authorities will now ask for the percentage of your supply chain within a certain radius of the local area. If you are bidding into a new area, engaging with local suppliers during the tender process is a good way to demonstrate your commitment. Pledge to get a quote from at least one local company for all your needs.


Demonstrate a culture that is positive about Small and Medium Enterprises, charities and supported businesses. For example, prompt payment terms and low barriers to join your supply chain.


WHAT COUNTS AS ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE? Sustainability can be achieved through social value offerings. Talk about what your organisation already does and what it will do to offset its carbon footprint. Say that you will plant a number of trees per ton of carbon dioxide produced.


34 | HMM October/November 2020 | www.housingmmonline.co.uk


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