A bigger bang for our buck – stepping up social value in Southend.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is a large and complex organisation. We’re a major investor in our local economy and spend £120 million every year on supplies and works contracts. To commission the best possible outcomes we know we have to stay at the top of our game by better understanding how the services we buy, and the way that we buy them, can deliver extra advantages for local people.
We’re keen to drive forward the concept of social value – a way of encouraging smarter spending that not only delivers a service but also addresses other social, economic and environmental issues in our town. At its heart social value asks a simple question: "If £1 is spent on the delivery of services, can that same £1 be used to also produce a wider benefit to the community?”.
As a local business, voluntary sector organisation or entrepreneur we’d love to hear your thoughts on social value. How do you think we could all maximise it in our commissioning processes? What principles do you think should guide us? And what are your ideas for making social value work on the ground?
It would be great if you could join our conversation on Tuesday 17 April from 5pm-7pm in the Johnson Room at the Tickfield Centre for a buffet tea and lively exchange. Free parking will be available.
By joining us you will;
- Hear how the Council is driving forward new approaches to buying goods and services
- Help shape the way we commission services for social value in the future
- Learn more about successfully tendering for social value outcomes
- Network with like-minded, local people.
We look forward to seeing you for an absorbing get-together.