Social value
What is social value
Social value is the additional economic, social and environmental benefit a supplier can deliver alongside the goods, services or works being provided under a contract.
When awarding contracts, we consider not only price and quality, but also how suppliers can make a positive contribution to our communities, local economy and environment. Social value helps ensure that public spending delivers wider benefits for residents and businesses.
How is social value assessed?
Luton Council includes social value questions within its procurement exercises. Suppliers are asked to describe the additional social, economic and environmental benefits they will deliver as part of the contract. Responses are evaluated and scored alongside quality and pricing criteria.
Demonstrating social value
When bidding for a contract, you should consider how you can deliver meaningful and measurable social value that is relevant to the contract and the communities it serves.
We encourage suppliers to propose initiatives that are realistic, achievable and capable of delivering tangible benefits throughout the life of the contract.
Delivering social value
If you are successful in your bid and a contract is awarded to you, your social value bid becomes part of your contract obligations and should be delivered throughout the life of the contract.
How do we know social value has been delivered?
Social value performance is monitored throughout the duration of the contract through:
- contract management meetings
- progress reports
- regular reviews
Where appropriate, you may be asked to provide supporting evidence to demonstrate that commitments have been achieved.
By monitoring social value delivery, we can ensure that the benefits promised during the procurement process are translated into meaningful outcomes for our residents and communities.