Social Value

What is Social Value?

Why does it matter to my organisation?

Social Value is the positive change your work creates for people, communities and places.

It’s not just about what you deliver (like activities, sessions, services), but the wider social impact this has… i.e. evidencing what happens because of your work.

For example:

· A weekly youth club isn’t just a building and some games - it’s safer evenings, improved confidence, better relationships, and young people feeling they belong.

· A lunch club isn’t just a hot meal - it’s reduced loneliness, better mental wellbeing, and earlier support for people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

· A community advice service isn’t just forms and appointments - it’s reduced stress, increased financial stability, and people feeling more in control of their lives.

Social Value affects VCSE organisations in two ways: -

  1. When charities tender for public sector contracts and commissions, they are increasingly being asked to show that their offer creates real benefits for communities.

    That’s why organisations might be asked questions like:

    · “What difference will this project make?”

    · “How will people’s lives improve?”

    · “What long-term benefits will this funding create?”

    These questions are about accountability and understanding the wider impact of their investment. Being able to explain your social value clearly:

    · Builds stronger partnerships

    · Supports long-term sustainability

    · Helps trustees understand impact and

    · Can also strengthen funding applications

    And it helps your organisation tell its story with confidence.

2. Organisations tendering for public sector contracts are increasingly looking to partner with VCSE organisations to meet their social value requirements. This might be through providing pro bono services to charities (such as legal or HR advice), or taking a more hands-on appriach through Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV). Locally Gloucestershire County Council has partnered with whatimpact to provide a brokerage service between businesses and VCSE organisations.

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