In the world of tendering, social value has emerged as a crucial factor in the decision-making process for many clients. With the Social Value Act 2012 mandating public sector suppliers to prioritise wider social, economic, and environmental benefits in their projects, social value questions in tenders have gained significance. While these questions may appear daunting at first, once you grasp the importance of social value, tackling them becomes more approachable.
To ensure your bid stands out and aligns with your client’s needs, it’s essential to consider the following areas of social value when responding to a tender:
Economic Impact – Empowering Local Communities:
Demonstrate your commitment to creating a positive economic impact by offering employment opportunities, training programs, and apprenticeships to the local community. Additionally, supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and contributing to local economic growth are essential components of this aspect.
Environmental Sustainability – Reducing Your Carbon Footprint:
Highlight your dedication to environmental sustainability by utilising local supply chains, minimising waste, and employing energy-efficient equipment. These practices play a crucial role in reducing your carbon footprint and promoting responsible environmental practices.
Social Well-being – Making a Difference in Local Lives:
Showcase your company’s dedication to social well-being by promoting staff well-being, supporting local charities and community investment projects, and offering aid to the most vulnerable community groups. Your commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those you serve can be a powerful differentiator in tenders.
To master the art of addressing social value in tenders, we offer our top three tips:
Understand Your Client’s Social Value Policies:
Thoroughly research and comprehend your client’s social value policies and strategies to ensure your bid aligns perfectly with their objectives. By understanding their priorities, you can tailor your offer to create the most significant social impact.
Make Specific Commitments:
When addressing social value in your bid, be explicit in your commitments. Provide precise details such as quantities, values, and dates for your proposed initiatives. Clearly state what you intend to do, when you plan to do it, and how you will measure and report your progress. It’s essential to make commitments you can realistically fulfil to maintain your credibility.
Develop Innovative Solutions:
Stand out from the competition by thinking outside the box and developing innovative solutions. The level of social value impact you can achieve may vary based on the type, scale, and value of the project. Ensure that your primary benefits create a lasting legacy, promoting longevity and sustainability that brings broader opportunities to the local community.
In summary, social value goes beyond meeting the basic requirements; it involves going the extra mile to ensure that the local communities you engage with experience long-lasting and sustainable legacies. By embedding social value strategies within your company culture through education and training, you can foster a positive economic, environmental, and social impact that extends far beyond the tendering process.
Are you ready to elevate your social value initiatives and leave a lasting mark on the communities you serve? Embrace these top tips and watch your tender bids become powerful tools for positive change.
