Government & Public Sector Journal: Why Social Value Should Be An Important Part Of The Public Sector Procurement Process

Originally posted on Government & Public Sector Journal, written by Siobhan Goss Head of Corporate Social Responsibility.

As the Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Matrix, I’ve had the opportunity to witness the increasing importance of social value within the procurement process. Social Value is no longer an optional consideration; it is now a significant factor in public sector procurement. The evolution of social value from what it was a decade ago to where it stands today reflects its growing significance in delivering benefits beyond financial outcomes. For suppliers tendering for UK public sector contracts, understanding and embracing social value is key.

Highlighting Social Value Across Functions for Stronger Public Sector Bids

One thing I always emphasise when speaking to colleagues across various functions is the importance of understanding the relevance of social value, even in areas where it might not be traditionally be considered. Public sector organisations are increasingly posing questions to suppliers about how they will deliver social value. When those bids come in, social value I evaluated with growing emphasis, and I believe that getting feedback and insights from across your organisation can help you respond effectively.

Read the full article HERE.

Leveraging Collaboration to Drive Social Value in the Public Sector

When it comes to social value, collaboration is crucial. Many organisations in the public sector have their own social value champions – people who are focused on delivering regional or community benefits. For those that don’t, there s a wealth of knowledge and best practices to be shared. one of the strengths of the public sector is its willingness to collaborate and share ideas, and I encourage suppliers to tap into this. Speak with your peers, share ideas, and lear from others, the better we can deliver social value.

And finally, social value should not be seen as an additional burden or a box-ticking exercise. It represents an opportunity for suppliers to show how they can make a real difference to the communities they serve. By engaging with local stakeholders, tailoring your social value offerings, and collaborating with others in the sector, you can ensure that your bids not only meet but exceed expectations. Social Value is here to stay, and I urge all suppliers to embrace it fully.

Originally posted on Government & Public Sector Journal, written by Siobhan Goss Head of Corporate Social Responsibility.