In this 5 Minutes With blog, Lindsay Maguire, Deputy Director for Procurement Reform at the Cabinet Office, explores how the new Procurement Act is transforming government procurement to prioritise social value. She discusses key changes, including the shift to Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) and enhanced transparency through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Discover how the UK Government is balancing cost, impact, and accountability to make procurement a strategic force for good.

New UK government regulations mean suppliers bidding for public sector contracts over £5m must now demonstrate prompt payment practices. Discover how the new Fair Payment Code and PPN018 impact your business, why prompt payment is now a key social value requirement, and how to ensure compliance. Read our latest insights on what businesses must do to stay competitive.

Discover how the UK’s apprenticeship overhaul will impact social value commitments in procurement. From levy changes and wage increases to new funding flexibility and shorter apprenticeship options, these reforms will reshape how businesses integrate apprenticeships into their bids. Stay ahead of the changes, understand their implications, and ensure your commitments remain competitive and deliverable. Learn what businesses need to know to navigate these shifts effectively and maximise meaningful social value delivery.

In this 5 Minutes With blog, Holly Onstenk, Vice Chair of the Young Professionals in Social Value (YPSV) network, discusses empowering young professionals, the challenges of entering the social value industry, and the vital role of mentorship. She shares insights on fostering collaboration, navigating an evolving sector, and shaping the future of social value through inclusivity and professional growth. Discover how YPSV is driving change and creating opportunities for the next generation in social value.

In this 5 Minutes With blog, Andrew O’Brien and Hana Kapetanovic from Demos discuss their report Taming the Wild West. They share insights on the challenges of social value, the role of technology in building trust and transparency, and how collaboration can create stronger, more inclusive communities. Discover their vision for a clearer, fairer approach to delivering social value.

Read the key takeaways from the Social Value UK conference 2024 in Birmingham, attended by the Samtaler team. With Sarah Stone and Kate Gräfe as speakers, the event marked the launch of the Institute of Social Value (ISV) and explored insights on fostering trust, shaping long-term outcomes, and driving the future of social value.

This festive season, Giving Trees are creating moments of joy for those facing financial challenges. Initiatives like Connect Reading, Dunelm’s Delivering Joy, and Kids Day Out bring communities together, allowing people to purchase requested gifts for those in need. Whether through local collection points or online platforms, these Giving Trees ensure no one is left out. It’s a simple way to make a big difference this Christmas.

Discover how partnering with environmental specialists can drive innovation and sustainability. From achieving net zero to enhancing biodiversity, explore the benefits of expert collaboration in aligning ESG goals with impactful social value strategies. Learn about cutting-edge solutions from Nature Positive, Acclaro Advisory, and Useful Projects, and how they complement Samtaler’s work in delivering meaningful change.

Isabelle Parasram OBE, CEO of the recently rebranded Institute for Social Value (previously Social Value UK), shares her insights on the rebrand of the professional body, who it is for and how to get involved in advance of the launch at the upcoming Members Conference next week. Isabelle also discusses what politicians and policymakers may have on their radar with regard to social value and the government’s delayed Procurement Act.

Social Value is a crucial requirement in Local Authority procurement. In this blog Kate Gräfe outlines key elements procurers seek in Social Value responses, including understanding local priorities, ability to deliver locally, proven track record, and SMART deliverables. Following these guidelines can help suppliers maximise meaningful Social Value delivery and score highly in tenders.

Louise Griffiths, Samtaler’s Social Value Consultant, embarked on her journey with a passion for making a meaningful impact. Now, with over two years of experience under her belt, she reflects on the importance of networking, joining professional memberships, and committing to continuous learning. These key insights have been vital in shaping her successful career in social value.