For some time now, NHS organisations and suppliers have been getting to grips with social value requirements in public procurement. Under a new Labour government, the focus on value beyond profit is expected to continue, with many predicting an increased focus on preventative approaches, community models and local sourcing. This is evident through Labour’s Manifesto commitments, together with the early announcement of a senior Social Value policy role within the Cabinet Office.

So, what does this mean for healthcare organisations seeking to remain competitive, attract future talent and fulfil their ethical and legal responsibilities?

Becky Jones, Social Value Specialist at NHS Arden & GEM, says: “We foresee an increasing expectation on health organisations to be able to measure, develop and articulate their social impact. There is also an urgent need for the sector to innovate in the interests of fairness, equality and a more sustainable approach. We’re responding to this with new programmes which support the positive transformation of the NHS.”

What are the Social Value in Health programmes?

The Social Value in Health programmes – launching today – equip NHS partners with the tools, resources and knowledge they need to do just that. They are being delivered through an ambitious collaboration between three industry leaders:

NHS Arden & GEM CSU is part of the NHS family and home of the Social Value Network; the Social Value Quality Mark CIC ® is the UK’s national standard for social value; and Social Value Portalare owners of the Social Value TOM™ System – the UK’s most recognised framework for measuring, reporting and amplifying social value.

Working together, the 3 firms are offering healthcare organisations access to integrated, best-in-class approaches to planning, measuring and accrediting social value. Each programme leads to the Social Value Quality Mark® Health Award – the first UK-wide accreditation for social value in healthcare.

Richard Dickins, MD, Social Value Quality Mark CIC says: “Few sectors contribute so much to national wellbeing as our healthcare sector. Working in partnership, we’re delighted to announce these combined programmes tailored to the needs of the industry and leading to independent assurance through the Quality Mark – the UK’s national standard for social value.”

Packages include:

  • ‘Springboard’– The entry point for organisations looking for quick, meaningful momentum and a more strategic approach. ‘Springboard’ includes expert sector-focussed planning, training and consultancy, and leads to the SVQM Bronze Health Award.
  • ‘Excellence’– A significant step up for organisations ready to demonstrate and measure their impact over a 12-month period. ‘Excellence’ includes expert consultancy from public sector specialists and a tailored measurement project through the Social Value TOM System, with the creation of an annual Social Impact Report. This programme leads to the prestigious SVQM Silver Health Award.
  • Excellence Plus’– A combined programme offering best value for committed organisations. This programme leads to SVQM Bronze and Silver Health Awards in faster succession.

For the purpose of the programmes, the Social Value TOM System has been aligned to the requirements of the Quality Mark. This gives participating organisations the best chance of successful accreditation.

Sol Tannir, Strategic Account Manager, Social Value Portal, concludes: “Social Value Portal look forward to supporting organisations to measure their impact through the TOM system, leading to a validated Annual Social Value Report. By participating in one or more of the programmes, organisations will be in a strong position to demonstrate their value, compete for new business and deliver enhanced health outcomes to support their communities.”

Get in touch

The Social Value in Health Programmes are open to any healthcare organisation working within or alongside an integrated care system.

For details and to apply, contact

Social Value in Health Silver award - Excellence