Social value

Social value adds to what we achieve through public procurement by providing social, economic and environmental benefits that can make a real difference to the communities we serve.

We work in partnership with our members, suppliers, and other key stakeholders to deliver positive social value outcomes. NEPO’s social value programme enables our suppliers to use their skills, knowledge, opportunities and resources to make a difference for the communities, residents and environment across our region.

Our latest report highlights NEPO’s longstanding commitment to the North East and reflects the work Member Authorities have undertaken as part of a shared desire to support social development. Across the 2023-2024 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.

Social value delivery

Whether it’s giving a helping hand to community groups, improving the environment or supporting charities, our social value delivery aims to bring about real change.

Volunteer day at Feeding Families

Improving and maintaining the meadows, fences and hides at Washington Wildfowl Trust with Wave

Trinity Chambers Aspiring Advocates schools outreach programme

Volunteer day at Veterans at Ease, Gateshead with Bloom Procurement Services

A group of volunteers standing under a parasol at Lovaine Community Garden

Planting seedlings and cuttings to help generate an income for Lovaine Community Garden with Lyreco

Staff from NEPO and Version 1 meeting to discuss social value

Version1's social value commitment included tackling unemployment and promoting employment

Case studies

Supporting the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter

We had a paw-sitively purr-fect day volunteering at Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter with our Water Retail supplier Wave

Tree planting with Wave

We joined forces with Wave, Northumberland County Council and North Tyneside Council to boost wildlife biodiversity by planting over 300 tree saplings at Stamfordham Sports Pavilion.

[Four NEPO staff members in field at Stamfordham on a tree planting day. They are holding various pieces of equipment ]needed to plant trees]

Volunteer day at PACTNE

We spent an amazing day with our Energy supplier EDF (UK) supporting local charity Parent and Child Together North East by helping to restore their woodland area in Darlington.

Resources

Embedding Social Value in Procurement

This new guide from Action Sustainability provides SMEs with actionable strategies, tools and insights to help them understand and deliver social value effectively.

Embedding Social Value in Procurement: A Practical Guide for SMEs

Good Work Pledge

The Good Work Pledge is designed to recognise organisations that demonstrate your commitment to providing ‘good jobs’, these are jobs that provide security, development opportunities, fair representation, and a decent standard of living as a minimum.

Find out more

What's next?

A North East ESG Model is being developed which will deliver the North East’s priorities. The Model will reduce the confusion about what social value is and how it is included in public procurement. It will move away from complex formulas and focus on what can be delivered by buyers and suppliers.

Watch this space for more information on the new North East ESG Model, or join our LinkedIn Group to keep up to date with the latest developments, events and examples of social value activities from across the region.