NEPO has released its fourth annual social value report, revealing over £16m in social value impact secured since 2024 in partnership with its members and suppliers to the region's local communities, people and the environment.

The report highlights NEPO’s longstanding commitment to the North East and reflects the work Member Authorities and suppliers have undertaken as part of a shared desire to support social development. Across the 2024-2025 programme of procurement renewals, NEPO secured social value outcomes with suppliers committed to delivering jobs and apprenticeships, supporting communities, investing in supply chains and reducing carbon emissions.

The report covers the period from August 2024 to July 2025, during which new legislation came into force under The Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), giving greater importance to social value outcomes when awarding procurement contracts.

Through the implementation of systems such as the Open e-procurement platform, NEPO has continued to ensure that social value remains at the heart of its procurement projects, providing more transparent reporting.

Working in partnership with Member Authorities, suppliers and other key stakeholders, NEPO’s social value report details tangible social value outcomes across the region in addition to the £16m in local supply chain spend, including:

• 426 hours supporting unemployed people into work
• 12 local people employed in full time positions
• 474 hours of teaching support in local schools and colleges
• 26 weeks of apprenticeship training
• 283 hours of volunteering for local community and environmental projects
• 40 tonnes of carbon saved through CO2 emissions

 The 2025 Social Value Impact Report highlights suppliers excelling in social value commitments through partnerships with NEPO Member Authorities and local communities.

Nicola Shelley, Managing Director at NEPO, said: "At NEPO, creating lasting value is at the heart of everything we do. By working collaboratively with our Member Authorities, suppliers and partners, we can deliver meaningful Social Value outcomes that support communities, strengthen local economies and maximise public value across the North East.

"This collective approach means that procurement becomes more than a process; it becomes a powerful tool for positive change. Through strong partnerships, innovative solutions and a shared commitment to doing things the right way, we are proud to be delivering real, measurable benefits."

With PA23 legislative change that came into effect in early 2025, the role of social value when awarding contracts has a greater importance, bringing with it new opportunities. NEPO plan to take advantage of these opportunities, with enhancements to their Open system, and more collaboration with Member Authorities to understand local needs and testing of new ESG models for social value delivery.