Key Takeaways
- A social value policy turns organisational purpose into measurable community and environmental impacts.
- It forms the foundation of a social value strategy by defining commitments, accountability, and outcomes.
- Strong policies demonstrate clarity, credibility, and connection through evidence and stakeholder input.
- SVQM accreditation recognises a structured, transparent, and accountable delivery of social values.
Why Every Organisation Needs a Social Value Policy
A social value policy turns purpose into practice. It describes how your organisation delivers measurable outcomes for people, communities, and the environment, not just in words but through values-based governance and delivery.
Under the Public Procurement Act 2023, transparency and community impact are now core expectations in contract delivery. A well-crafted policy demonstrates intent, supports procurement compliance, and provides clear evidence for Social Value Quality Mark (SVQM) accreditation. It shows that your commitments are built on structure, not statements.
What a Social Value Policy Does
A social values policy explains how your organisation creates value beyond profits. It clarifies commitments, assigns accountability, and sets out how progress will be tracked through measurable outcomes.
It sits at the heart of your social value strategy, linking purpose to delivery. Stakeholders such as clients, employees, suppliers, and community partners can see how your values shape daily decisions.
Many organisations also align their social value policies with their existing ESG reporting frameworks to ensure that their social, environmental, and governance goals complement each other.
How SVQM Evaluates a Social Value Policy
SVQM looks for policies that demonstrate clarity, accountability, and authenticity. During accreditation, auditors review your policy as part of your social value evidence across four standards:
- Plan – Does the policy demonstrate value-based governance with clear accountability?
- Demonstrate – Are commitments linked to measurable outcomes and delivery activities?
- Report – Is there a clear outline for transparent reporting that demonstrates how you will communicate progress?
- Ecosystem – Does it evidence stakeholder engagement and procurement compliance?
A strong policy shows that commitments are genuine, proportionate, and embedded. It provides assurance that social value is part of corporate governance, not an isolated initiative.
Explore the SVQM Standards in detail
Three Qualities of a Strong Policy
Clarity
Define what social value means for your organisation. Identify the Social Value Themes where you can make the greatest impact, and link them to measurable key value indicators (KVIs). Keep language plain and purpose-led so everyone understands the priorities.
Credibility
Governance and data are what turn good intentions into evidence.
- Secure board-level approval that confirms accountability.
- Define clear roles such as Social Value Sponsor or Delivery Lead.
- Establish reporting cycles and data reviews to evidence continuous improvement.
These practices help auditors see consistent governance and measurable outcomes.
Connection
Strong policies are co-designed with the people they affect.
Engage employees, suppliers, community partners, and VCSE organisations. Their insight ensures your commitments respond to real needs and demonstrate ethical, place-based delivery.
Social Value Policy in Action
Technology consultancy Airwalk Reply transformed its policy into a driver of measurable change. By focussing on values, clear reporting, and working together with suppliers, it created over £2.7 million in confirmed social value in 2023 and earned SVQM Silver accreditation.
Airwalk Reply’s experience demonstrates that the implementation of a policy, rather than its lamination, leads to measurable social impact.
Final Thoughts
A social value policy does not need to be lengthy. It needs to be authentic, measurable, and shared.
When intent is clear and evidence is transparent, a policy becomes a foundation for trust and accountability. It also prepares organisations for independent verification.
Accreditation is not the finish line. It is proof of a journey well-led.
Your social value policy is where that journey begins.
Explore the SVQM Standards in detail and start your accreditation journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is social value in simple words?
“Social value” is the positive difference an organisation makes for people, communities, and the environment through its everyday activities and decisions. It focuses on creating long-term benefits, not just profits, by improving wellbeing, opportunities, and sustainability.
What is the difference between a social value policy and a social value strategy?
A social value policy defines your organisation’s commitments, governance and accountability. It sets the direction and expectations. A social values strategy explains how those commitments will be delivered, measured, and reported in practice.
How often should a social value policy be reviewed?
At least once a year, or whenever there are significant organisational or legislative changes, such as updates to the Public Procurement Act or reporting standards. Regular reviews demonstrate continuous improvement and help maintain accreditation readiness.
Who should approve and oversee the policy?
Board-level or senior leadership sign-off is essential. It demonstrates values-based governance and ensures accountability for measurable outcomes across departments, supply chains and partners.
