What Are the Social Value Themes?
At Social Value Quality Mark (SVQM), we know that social value cannot be achieved through good intentions alone. It must be measurable, meaningful and aligned with the priorities of public procurement.
That’s why SVQM’s Social Value Framework is built around nine key themes. These offer a consistent, practical way for organisations to define, deliver and demonstrate social value across different sectors and activities.
Each theme reflects priority impact areas identified through consultation with procurement professionals, policy experts and delivery partners. They support alignment with the Social Value Model, enhance relevance under the Procurement Act, and offer a clear structure for public procurement guidance.
How the Themes Support Social Value Accreditation
The nine themes form the foundation of SVQM’s quality mark and are used throughout the accreditation journey. At Bronze level, organisations commit to at least six themes aligned to their operations and capacity for impact. As they progress through Silver, Gold and Platinum, they must demonstrate broader and more consistent delivery supported by credible evidence.
Each theme includes practical indicators and examples that guide delivery. Organisations must show how they are achieving real-world results, not just setting intentions.
Applying the Social Value Framework in Practice
The themes are not a checklist. They are a working framework that helps organisations deliver on their social value commitments with clarity and confidence.
Whether you're developing a social value strategy, bidding for a contract or evaluating supply chain performance, the themes help you stay focused on measurable, outcome-led activity. They also promote consistency when reporting against procurement goals or aligning with frameworks such as the Social Value Model.
By using the nine themes, organisations can build trust with stakeholders, align with procurement priorities and drive continuous improvement in how they create and measure social value.
Overview of the 9 Social Value Themes
Each of the nine themes includes a clear focus, practical examples and suggested indicators to support delivery and reporting.
1. Economic
Focus: Strengthening local economies and supporting fair access to opportunity
Examples:
- Spend with local SMEs and VCSEs
- Paying the Real Living Wage
- Commissioning social enterprises
Indicators:
- % of local or SME spend
- Jobs created in priority areas
- Supplier diversity tracking
2. Environmental
Focus: Reducing environmental harm and improving sustainable practices
Examples:
- Net Zero or carbon reduction plans
- Circular economy models
- Biodiversity and green space initiatives
Indicators:
- CO₂ saved
- % of recycled or reused materials
- Environmental certifications
3. Housing
Focus: Improving access to decent, sustainable and affordable housing
Examples:
- Energy efficiency upgrades
- Services to reduce fuel poverty
- Housing advice and support
Indicators:
- Number of homes improved
- Households assisted
- Measured energy cost savings
4. Health and Wellbeing
Focus: Promoting good mental and physical health across communities
Examples:
- Staff wellbeing programmes
- Inclusive health services
- Community health partnerships
Indicators:
- Participation rates in wellbeing initiatives
- Staff engagement data
- Public health or survey feedback
5. Education and Skills
Focus: Creating opportunities for learning, upskilling and personal growth
Examples:
- Apprenticeships and internships
- Mentoring and education support
- Job-readiness initiatives
Indicators:
- Learners supported
- Training hours delivered
- Qualification or progression data
6. Employment and Volunteering
Focus: Supporting inclusive employment and community contribution
Examples:
- Inclusive recruitment
- Volunteering leave or schemes
- Return-to-work programmes
Indicators:
- Volunteer hours
- Hires from underrepresented groups
- Staff retention or progression rates
7. Social and Community
Focus: Building strong community connections and partnerships
Examples:
- Funding grassroots or cultural projects
- Community co-design or consultation
- Local collaboration and partnerships
Indicators:
- Community satisfaction
- Number of local partnerships
- Value invested in community initiatives
8. Crime and Justice
Focus: Reducing reoffending and supporting rehabilitation
Examples:
- Work placements for ex-offenders
- Education or diversion programmes
- Early intervention models
Indicators:
- Reduced reoffending
- Participant outcomes
- Qualitative or long-term feedback
9. Innovation
Focus: Driving new models and ideas that create social impact
Examples:
- Pilot programmes with social return
- Tech for good or social platforms
- Cross-sector collaboration
Indicators:
- Innovations adopted or scaled
- SROI (Social Return on Investment) results
- Replication or wider sector influence
Why the Themes Strengthen Public Procurement Outcomes
The nine Social Value Themes provide a structured, evidence-led approach that supports both suppliers and commissioners in meeting social value obligations under public procurement.
They help organisations:
- Develop a social value strategy that aligns with the Procurement Act
- Respond confidently to award criteria in the Social Value Model
- Track progress against social value commitments
- Strengthen claims with clear indicators and outcomes
- Support supplier performance and responsible procurement delivery
- Align with broader public priorities such as skills, wellbeing and sustainability
By embedding the themes into your operations, you not only increase your readiness for social value accreditation, but also improve how you communicate and measure your contribution to society.
Get Started with Social Value Quality Mark
SVQM provides a clear path for organisations ready to move from ambition to action. Whether you're preparing for your first bid or refining an existing delivery model, our accreditation journey supports you at every stage.
Let the themes guide your organisation toward meaningful, measurable and independently verified social value.
