Key Takeaways
- Social value audits assess both qualitative and quantitative evidence to verify real outcomes.
- Evidence must be ethical, traceable, and proportionate to your organisation’s size and capacity.
- Different levels of accreditation require different types and depths of evidence.
- Early preparation and organised documentation make the audit process smoother and support stronger procurement performance.
Why Evidence Matters in Social Value Accreditation
Evidence is at the heart of credible social value reporting. It’s what transforms promises into proof and demonstrates genuine impact in communities.
In public procurement and ESG reporting, many organisations think they are demonstrating social value, but what they present often amounts to well-intentioned activities without measurable outcomes. Without clear data, strong governance, and transparent reporting, claims can seem like marketing rather than meaningful societal delivery.
Understanding what counts as valid evidence can be challenging. This guide explains what auditors look for, how to prepare your documentation, and how credible evidence strengthens both your accreditation and your long-term social impact.
Social Value Indicators and Why They Matter
Social value indicators, also known as key value indicators (KVIs), form the bridge between your pledges and the evidence that proves them. KVIs ensure that commitments are not just statements but measurable actions with tangible results.
For example, an organisation might pledge to create jobs for disadvantaged groups.
The KVI that shows this commitment is – ideally – the number of long-term unemployed people hired and kept for at least 12 months, and the proof for that social value indicator would include HR records, payroll data, or signed employment contracts.
You may also choose to track progress towards the goal, such as:
- Active participation in employability skills workshops, training or internships
- Increased aspiration, confidence or skills to enter the world of work
- Increased numbers of people progressing to interview stage
- People who have progressed onto another course of action, such as a higher education course
- Numbers of people who have secured employment but who fall marginally outside of the target – for example they’ve not yet achieved 12 months of employment, or don’t quite meet the criteria for ‘long term unemployed’.
All of this counts in theory and is valuable data to capture, but what you can actually claim may be determined by your contract and client or commissioner, especially if working in the public sector. KVIs make your social impact measurable and provide the foundation for social value verification during your audit.
Connecting Your Evidence Journey
KVIs show whether your pledges are turning into real outcomes, but auditors also seek a clear evidence journey. This procedure helps them understand how your organisation moves from activity to impact.
The Social Value Impact Framework provides that structure:
- Inputs: Time, money, expertise invested
- Outputs: Activities delivered (e.g., employability workshops delivered)
- Outcomes: The change created (e.g., greater understanding of and desire to work in your industry)
- Impact: Long and short-term difference made (e.g., more people entering jobs or training, retaining employment)
- Value: The benefit estimated in financial terms (e.g., value of employment) or social terms (increased independence, wellbeing).
This framework keeps your evidence consistent and helps commissioners, partners, and auditors see a clear link between intention and result.
For a more in-depth look at how to measure and calculate your outcomes using this framework, read our blog on How to Calculate Social Value.
Evidence Recognised by Social Value Quality Mark
A strong social value audit combines three forms of evidence: documented, quantitative, and qualitative. Each serves a distinct purpose in proving both delivery and governance.
Documented Evidence
Documented evidence is the foundation of any social value audit. Every record must be traceable, verifiable, and capable of independent review. These materials demonstrate the integration of social value and ethical business practices into your organisation’s systems, rather than treating them as an afterthought.
Examples of some documented evidence to include in your social value audit include:
- Social value strategy documents and roadmaps
- Signed ethical business policies (for example, fair pay or safeguarding)
- Partnership agreements or supplier charters
- Published impact reports or sustainability statements
- HR records or training logs
- Certifications and external accreditations
Together, these records create your audit trail, supporting the quantitative and qualitative data that demonstrate delivery.
Quantitative Evidence
Quantitative evidence is the measurable data that shows the scale (how much or how many), progress (how delivery improves over time), and performance (how effectively) of your social value delivery. Auditors rely on this data to verify measurable outcomes and compare results over time.
Useful examples of measurable qualitative evidence to include are:
- Training hours delivered or learners supported
- Jobs created or retained
- Local or SME spend as a percentage of total procurement
- Carbon savings or waste reduction figures
- Volunteering hours contributed
This form of evidence is central to the Demonstrate and Calculate audit categories at the Silver level, which together represent two-thirds of the total weighting.
Qualitative Evidence
Qualitative evidence gives context and voice to the data. It captures the lived experience behind your numbers and demonstrates how people and communities are affected by your work.
Examples of qualitative evidence include:
- Stakeholder feedback or testimonials
- Survey results or consultation reports
- Case studies and participant reflections
- Board minutes showing social value discussions
- Staff engagement and wellbeing surveys
Qualitative evidence supports the human story of your delivery, and it is especially important within the Demonstrate, Eco System, and Performance Manage audit categories.
Social Value Tools and Methodologies
Social Value Quality Mark accepts data from any credible framework, including National TOMs, HACT, SROI, LM3, Global Value Exchange, Wellby, and other sector methods. Evidence may be submitted through platforms such as MeasureUp, Thrive, Loop, or Impact Reporting, provided that your process is transparent, consistent, and clearly documented.
How Evidence Requirements Differ Across Accreditation Levels
The type and depth of evidence required depend on your level of social value accreditation. As you move from Bronze through Silver, Gold, and Platinum, evidence becomes more detailed, strategic, and outcome-driven.
Bronze: Commitment and Governance
The bronze level of social value accreditation focuses on your organisation’s foundation. Evidence at this stage demonstrates your intent, leadership commitment, and basic systems for planning and reporting.
You’ll need to show:
- A documented social value strategy or roadmap
- Governance structures with leadership oversight
- Pledges aligned to at least six of the nine Social Value Themes
- Defined KVIs linked to your pledges
Bronze applicants are not required to show extensive outcomes but must evidence genuine commitment and clear systems for future delivery.
Silver: Demonstrating Measurable Outcomes
The Silver level of accreditation introduces an independent social value audit. Your evidence must cover at least 90 days of delivery and demonstrate measurable change.
Requirements include:
- Quantitative data showing progress against KVIs
- Qualitative insight from stakeholder engagement
- Transparent value calculations using recognised methods
- Published reporting available to the public
- Evidence of ethical business and supply chain practices
At this level, auditors assess evidence across five categories: Plan (15%), Demonstrate (33%), Calculate (33%), Report (12%), and Eco System (7%). To learn more about what each audit category assesses, visit our guide on Understanding the Nine Audit Categories for Social Value Accreditation.
Gold and Platinum: Embedded Governance and Strategic Use of Data
Gold and Platinum accreditation levels each require at least one full year of evidence and assess additional Audit Standards beyond Silver. At Gold, the ‘Performance Manage’ and ‘Trust’ Standards are added, while Platinum evaluates all nine, including ‘Influence & Leadership’ and ‘Culture.’ Your evidence should demonstrate sustained delivery, data-driven improvement, and integrated leadership oversight.
Auditors expect to see:
- Consistent delivery across multiple contracts or regions
- Social value embedded in strategic decision-making
- Use of performance data to guide improvement
- Transparent reporting, including lessons learned and challenges
At these higher levels, social value and ESG thinking should be fully embedded in your organisation’s culture, not treated as a standalone function.
Building a Strong Audit Trail
As you progress through accreditation, your evidence will become more detailed and data-heavy. Maintaining a clear audit trail helps ensure accuracy, efficiency, and confidence during assessment.
To build a strong audit trail:
- Map each piece of evidence to the social value pledges and Key Value Indicators (KVIs) it supports.
- Store and label documents systematically using clear naming conventions.
- Record sources, dates, and verification details for every dataset.
- Keep original data accessible in case auditors request raw data to verify calculations or claims
- Demonstrate leadership oversight by showing that leadership reviews social value performance regularly.
Smaller organisations may have fewer systems in place, but auditors value authenticity over volume. What matters most is that your evidence is ethical, verifiable, and proportionate to your capacity.
Transparency Strengthens Credibility
Social value delivery is not without its challenges. But the most credible evidence acknowledges them and shows how you’ve responded. Transparency about challenges, lessons learnt and areas for improvement doesn’t weaken your application. In fact, it strengthens it.
Social Value Quality Mark audits recognise both positive and negative outcomes. Auditors look for evidence that your organisation is learning, adapting, and using insights to improve future deliveries. Many accredited organisations find that the real benefit lies in the reflection and refinement prompted by the audit process, rather than in the award alone. This includes:
- Honest reporting about activities that didn’t achieve expected outcomes
- Feedback from stakeholders highlighting areas for improvement
- Evidence of changes made in response to data or consultation
- Board discussions acknowledging gaps or risks
This openness demonstrates learning, accountability, and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement.
Preparing for Your Social Value Quality Mark Audit
Preparation is key to success. For organisations applying at the Silver level and above, the Social Value Quality Mark offers a Pre-Audit Service designed to assess your evidence, identify gaps, and provide a clear action plan before formal submission.
Before applying, make sure you:
- Start evidence collection early.
- Organise and store data systematically.
- Ensure reports are accessible to the public.
- Gather stakeholder feedback and governance records.
For extra guidance on preparing your submission, read our Audit-Ready Social Value Accreditation Guide.
Turning Data Into Credibility
Evidence isn’t just paperwork. It’s the story of how your organisation delivers measurable, ethical and transparent social value. It turns good intentions into real-world impact that communities can see, feel and trust.
Strong evidence builds credibility, strengthens bids, and helps shape continuous improvement. Whether you’re preparing for Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum, understanding what counts as evidence will ensure you are ready for the rigour of independent assessment.
Explore the Social Value Quality Mark Accreditation Levels or Book a Pre-Audit Discussion to take your next step toward verified social value delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Social Value Quality Mark accept as valid social value evidence?
Any document, dataset or stakeholder record that verifiably demonstrates progress against your pledges and Key Value Indicators (KVIs). Evidence can be quantitative (data and KPIs), qualitative (feedback and testimonials) or documentary (policies, reports, and certifications).
Does evidence have to be financial?
No. Social Value Quality Mark recognises both financial and non-financial values, provided they’re ethical and outcome-based. Qualitative evidence, such as case studies, stakeholder feedback, and wellbeing data, is as important as quantitative metrics.
Can smaller organisations meet evidence requirements?
Yes. Evidence expectations are proportionate to your size and resources. Focus on demonstrating authentic, measurable impact rather than volume. Bronze is particularly accessible for smaller organisations that are starting their social value journeys.
Do we need to use a specific measurement tool?
No. Social Value Quality Mark accepts data from any credible framework, including National TOMs, SROI, LM3, HACT, Loop, Thrive and Impact Reporting, as long as it’s transparent and verifiable. You can submit evidence via Excel, specialist platforms or other formats.
What happens if our evidence doesn’t meet the threshold?
If you don’t meet the threshold, you won’t achieve the award immediately. You’ll receive a detailed auditor’s report explaining where the gaps are and how to improve. Many organisations then work with consultancy support to strengthen their evidence before reapplying. The Pre-Audit Service can help identify gaps before formal submission.
How far back should our evidence go?
At the Silver level, you need at least 90 days of delivery evidence. At Gold and Platinum, you need a full year of evidence showing sustained delivery and consistent reporting. Keep original source data accessible for the full audit cycle to allow for verification if required.
