Redefining Social Value

We're probably all considering whether the commitment to social value will change now we have a new Labour government. Niel Kirk shares his opinion in our latest blog.

With the new Labour government now in place in the UK, there is the promise of transformation for social value. With a bold vision and a suite of progressive policies, the government is poised to drive change across multiple facets of our society. I want to share my thoughts on what could transpire and how it may impact social value.

Building the Foundations of Tomorrow

At the heart of this vision lies a commitment to Housing and Infrastructure. The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a blueprint for unlocking potential, fostering economic growth, and looking to ensure that every community thrives.

A Home for All

The pledge to build 1.5 million new homes over five years is bold and ambitious. If they achieve this, it will be a testament to the government’s resolve to tackle the housing crisis head-on, promoting affordability and accessibility for all.

Empowering Local Economies

The Community Wealth Building initiative is a push for local empowerment. By bolstering local economies, expanding the cooperative sector, and reimagining procurement, the government is setting the stage for a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunity.

Championing Workers’ Rights

The proposed Employment Rights Bill and the commitment to increasing the Minimum Wage are not mere policy changes; they reaffirm the government’s dedication to workers’ rights, fair wages, and a robust social safety net.

Procurement with Purpose

The review of the Procurement Act 2023 reflects a paradigm shift towards procurement that values not just the bottom line, but the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit.

A Greener Tomorrow

The government’s green procurement targets and the push for a circular economy are not just environmental policies. These are the building blocks of a sustainable future, looking to ensure that we leave a planet worth passing on to the next generation.

Public Sector Spending Cuts

Add into the mix the announcement by Rachel Reeves on 29th July, unveiling a £22bn black hole in the public finances; this could be impactful. There could be less funding available for new social value initiatives. However, the focus on value for money may also drive further innovation in how social value is delivered, spurring more efficient and effective use of resources. In addition, the emphasis on public sector pay rises and the need to find savings in most non-essential spending may spark a re-evaluation of existing social value programmes, to ensure they are delivering the intended benefits.

Conclusion

The above is a highly aspirational programme and no doubt some areas will clash (for example, 1.5 million homes vs A Greener Tomorrow). However, as thought leaders and stakeholders, we must engage with these initiatives. The Labour government has laid out a roadmap for change. We must drive it forward, challenging the status quo and ensuring that the promise of social value is realised for every citizen.

Together, we can build a society that is not only more prosperous but also more compassionate and just.

Niel Kirk is the Head of Bid Management at Nets. He is an accomplished professional with a robust 23-year career in bid and business development. His expertise spans both the public and private sectors, with a sharp focus on winning large and complex contracts with the UK government. His certifications include APMP, PRINCE2 and ITIL at the Practitioner level. Niel also brings a wealth of experience in social value and is a member of the APMP UK Social Value Group management committee.

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