Social Value

We have a commitment to increase the social value we achieve from the procurement and commissioning of goods, services, and works. To support this aim, we have introduced a range of solutions to deliver, measure, monitor, and report on social value outcomes.

Our social value policy outlines our ambitions and expectations in regard to social value and our related activity in relation to support specific local groups (such as members of the armed forces), growing our economy, tackling climate change, and promoting inclusive growth.

While we have introduced social value into our role as a buyer, we wish to go further and optimise social value into our role as an employer, service provider, and investor (including our role within place shaping and regeneration).

Social Value in Procurement

We have incorporated social value into our procurement wherever relevant. This predominantly focused on the purchase or services and works, but can include the purchase of goods where there is a related service element.

Our aim is to have social value as 20% of the overall criteria for tenders, and depending on the size and scope of the procurement exercise, it will either be captured through tailored questions or the use of the social value portal.

Whichever route is chosen, bidders will be expected to outline what social value they can deliver throughout the contract (quantity) as well as an understanding of the methods and mechanisms they will use to deliver it (quality).

St Helens Themes, Outcomes, and Measures (TOMs)

To help bidders understand what social value we would like to achieve through our procurement exercises, and to provide examples of the different types of social value available, we have created a local version of the National TOMs.

The TOMs are a set of social value outcomes that have been separated into themes, and outline how they can be measured. These have been agreed, and continuously reviewed with a wide range of stakeholders, and supported by the Local Government Association.

Bidding Using the Social Value Portal

When required to use the Social Value Portal (SVP) as part of the procurement exercise, the bidder will be required to register with the SVP to submit their bid. A link to the SVP Project (tender response) will be provided in the tender documentation.

Bidders can register with the SVP prior to an opportunity being available, and when they do so they will obtain access to a wealth of helpful information, user guides, and videos that can help in providing a suitable social value response.