From creating jobs and apprenticeships to supporting community projects and environmental initiatives, we want every pound we spend to deliver added value for local people.
That's why we've approved an updated Social Value Policy, reaffirming our commitment to securing wider economic, social and environmental benefits through the contracts we award.
The benefits of social value are already being seen across Central Bedfordshire, with suppliers delivering a wide range of social value commitments through our contracts, including:
- helping residents into work and developing skills through employment, apprenticeships, training and education initiatives
- supporting disadvantaged and underrepresented groups to access opportunities and improve life chances
- boosting the local economy by supporting local businesses, voluntary organisations and community enterprises
- giving back to communities through volunteering, charitable support and investment in local projects
- driving environmental improvements through sustainability, biodiversity and carbon reduction activities
These outcomes are monitored through our social value reporting platform, helping to ensure commitments are delivered and that local communities benefit from our spending.
The updated policy maintains our commitment to social value, with contracts worth £100,000 or more continuing to include a minimum 10% social value weighting. The revised policy places greater emphasis on the quality and deliverability of social value commitments, greater flexibility in how social value is assessed and measured, and strengthens monitoring, reporting and accountability to ensure commitments translate into meaningful outcomes for residents.
Councillor John Baker, our Executive Member for Finance and Highways, said:
Social value helps us make the most of every pound we spend by ensuring our contracts deliver benefits for local communities, as well as the services we purchase.
Whether that's creating jobs and training opportunities, supporting local businesses and community organisations, creating opportunities for people who may face barriers to employment, encouraging volunteering, or improving the environment, we want our contracts to make a positive difference for Central Bedfordshire residents.
The updated policy strengthens our approach and helps ensure suppliers make commitments that support our priorities and deliver real benefits for local people.
The policy supports a range of our priorities, including thriving communities, economic growth, local employment, environmental sustainability and reducing inequalities across Central Bedfordshire.
By embedding social value in procurement, we aim to maximise the positive impact of our spending, helping create jobs, support communities, improve the environment, and deliver better outcomes for residents.
Local news content from CItiblog - read more at