Social value

‘Social value’ refers to the positive contributions that an organisation delivers, beyond its core obligations, which benefit the:

• community
• economy
• environment

The Public Services (Social Value) Act places a responsibility on public sector authorities to consider how wider economic, community and environmental benefits could be delivered as part of commissioning services.

Social value at Southwark Council

We have adopted the following definition of Social Value:

"A method whereby the council ensures our suppliers meet the needs for goods, works and services in a way that delivers value for money, while maximising the potential of our borough, making it fairer, greener and safer for all our residents."

Everything we do as a council is to support a fairer, greener and safer Southwark.

We're committed to supporting, standing up for and empowering residents, influencing others we work with to do the same.

We look to get maximum value out of our spending with external organisations, improve economic, social and environmental wellbeing, to benefit the local area and residents. 

Our first Fairer Futures Procurement Framework in 2019 helped us to achieve this vision and meet our obligations under the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012.

Social value framework

We have developed a targeted and meaningful social value programme for the whole council in response to:

• ongoing service transformation
• our 2030 ambitions for the borough
• our refreshed Procurement Framework
• release of Southwark’s Economic Strategy to 2030

In 2025, we launched our new social value framework.

The framework governs our approach to securing meaningful social value contributions for our residents within procurement, contract management and wider activities at the council. It articulates our commitment to unlocking maximum impact through all council activity, creating the best possible community, economy and environment for our residents to thrive.

Useful resources

We have developed a series of tools to support suppliers in delivering meaningful social value for Southwark residents. 

Our social value toolkit for suppliers provides a comprehensive guide for bidders and suppliers looking to do business with us. 

Social value guidance provides supporting information for stakeholders looking to deliver, monitor and report Social Value activity for Southwark Council.

Contact us

Email socialvalue@southwark.gov.uk for more information.