What are social values?
Social values at work refer to the positive impact that an organisation or its employees have on society and the environment through their activities, decisions, and initiatives. It encompasses a wide range of contributions that go beyond financial performance to include social, environmental, and economic benefits.
If your business engages in public procurement—whether with central government, its agencies, the NHS, or local authorities—it’s crucial to prioritize social value.
If you’re new to the topic of social value or if you’re looking to find out more, read on.
Here are some key aspects of social values we follow at Mantralis:
Key Aspects of Social Values at Work:
1. Community Engagement:
– Supporting local communities through volunteering, charitable donations, and community projects.
– Encouraging employees to participate in community service and outreach programs.
2. Environmental Sustainability:
– Implementing eco-friendly practices to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint.
– Promoting sustainable resource use, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.
3. Ethical Business Practices:
– Adhering to ethical standards in all business operations.
– Ensuring transparency, fairness, and integrity in dealings with stakeholders.
4. Employee Well-Being:
– Providing a safe, healthy, and supportive work environment.
– Promoting work-life balance, mental health support, and professional development opportunities.
5. Diversity and Inclusion:
– Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.
– Implementing policies and practices that promote equality and prevent discrimination.
6. Economic Contribution:
– Creating job opportunities and supporting local economies.
– Contributing to economic development through sustainable business growth and investment.
7. Innovation and Education:
– Supporting educational initiatives and lifelong learning.
– Encouraging innovation and knowledge sharing to address social challenges.
Why Social Value Matters
Social value is considered part of the tender process for many of the UK government’s outsourcing contracts. These aspects are truly important in the workplace, and at Mantralis, we embody all these qualities. Having worked for various companies, encountering an organisation like ours that has these elements in place makes you appreciate the work environment even more.
Social value gained significant attention in January 2021 with the implementation of the Procurement Policy Note (PPN 06/20), which mandates that certain authorities assign at least 10% weight to social value when awarding contracts.
However, social value has been integral to public procurement since at least 2010, following the introduction of the Private Member’s Bill that ultimately became the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012.
Social Value Can Help You Win New Business
When issuing tenders for public contracts, authorities often highlight policy objectives that extend beyond the immediate scope of the contract. The Social Value Model, for instance, outlines these objectives through Model Award Criteria (MACs).
– Reputation and Trust: Organisations that demonstrate social value often enjoy enhanced reputation and trust among customers, employees, and stakeholders, creating a better atmosphere in the workplace.
– Employee Engagement: Employees are more likely to be motivated and engaged when they feel their work contributes to a greater good.
– Sustainable Growth: Companies that prioritize social value are better positioned for long-term sustainability and success.
– Customer Loyalty: Consumers increasingly prefer to support businesses that align with their values and contribute positively to society.
– Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to social value principles can help organisations meet regulatory requirements and avoid legal issues.
SMEs vs. Large Organisations in Creating Social Value
Supporting Local Communities: Many of the fiber broadband providers we collaborate with not only enhance digital infrastructure to directly improve residents’ quality of life but also provide free connections to community spaces, bringing the latest technology to these areas.
Job Creation: Providing employment opportunities.
Training and Development: Offering comprehensive training programs.
Ethical and Environmental Sustainability: Sourcing materials responsibly, implementing eco-friendly practices, and hiring ethically.
Charitable Giving: Engaging in fundraising activities and donating time to charitable causes.
Employee Well-being and Health: Promoting health and wellness initiatives for employees.
Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
How to Promote Social Value at Work
By integrating social value into your core operations, organisations can create a positive impact that benefits both society and your business.
Ignoring Social Values Can Leave Companies Behind
Contractors that overlook social and environmental factors not only miss out on a significant competitive advantage beyond just price but may also face exclusion from specific bidding opportunities. For instance, Planning Policy Note (PPN 06/21) PPN 0621 Taking account of Carbon Reduction Plans Jan22.docx (publishing.service.gov.uk) prohibits companies without published Carbon Reduction Plans from bidding on contracts governed by PPN 06/20.
At Mantralis, We Care About Community and Fairness.
We love being involved in program management for councils and housing associations because we play a significant role in ensuring residents benefit from social equality through free or subsidised services.
Closer to home, Jennie is chair of FACES, a Bedfordshire charity that supports local families. She also founded the Baby Bank, which provides essential food and supplies for in-need families in the borough.
We care about our colleagues. Staff benefit from flexible, remote working options as well as paid time off for volunteering as part of our corporate responsibility.
And of course, we care about our clients and work hard to deliver projects on time and on budget.
We really do live by our mantra – project-driven, people-focused.