Independent Social Value Audit and Verification

Social Value Quality Mark^® Platinum Award

‘Influence’

Platinum awardees are celebrated for their influence, innovation and collaboration. At this elite level, it’s no longer just about leading the organisation to higher standards of social value, but stretching outwards to spread best practice within your sector and cross-industry. Platinum requires a full 2 years of evidence and demonstrates the pinnacle of social value excellence.

Your organisation will

Consolidate 2 years of evidence to demonstrate your commitments in action – with increased focus on how social value is informing company culture and leadership.
Develop a 360 degree understanding of how your culture and brand are perceived by customers, suppliers, staff, talent and industry peers.
Identify and collaborate with cross-sector networks through which to influence others and gain or formulate best practice.
Receive an independently verified evaluation of the value you are creating for society.
A benchmark position against your peers and competitors

The benefits to you

Provide the strongest possible evidence in response to social value tender questions.
Win business across sectors, based on your leadership in social value.
Build significant reputation and loyalty with customers, clients, stakeholders and investors.
Differentiate your organisation with employees and future talent – as an ethical, sustainable business that is brilliant to work for.
Showcase your award externally – a Platinum Award celebrates true excellence in social value.
Gain entry into the National Index of Social Value

Validity: 2 years Cost: From £1,695 + audit time

The process

Platinum accreditation is tested through a comprehensive audit process. You will be sent a series of audit questions that test for compliance against the following review areas and weightings. You will be asked to prepare evidence to support your application.

Review Areas and Weightings

Each of the review areas is weighted based on the priority and level of influence they have on the overall outcome, transparency and legitimacy of claims.

Plan

Focuses on your approach to the measurement of social value within your organisation.

Prepare It

Focuses on how you have created the processes, skills, knowledge and infrastructure to measure, monitor and report social value.

10%

Demonstrate

Focuses on how you’ve gathered data and information to evidence your progress against your social value pledges and Key Value Indicators.

20%

Trust

Focuses on how the organisation demonstrates integrity, fairness and quality, to create a strong social contract.

Influence & Leadership

Focuses on how you use your position of influence to inspire and bring about positive change, internally and externally.

18%

Calculate

Focuses on the process of using your data and information to calculate the direct, indirect and hidden value.

27.5% 28%

Eco System

Focuses on the extent to which your social value approach has influenced and benefitted your supply chain and partners.

10%

Report

Focuses on the transparency and legitimacy of your reporting against your social value pledges and Key Value Indicators.

10%

Performance Manage

Focuses on the extent to which social value insights inform strategic decision-making, leading to positive outcomes.

Culture

Focuses on how employees of different levels and departments actively support and enable the creation of social value.

Award Threshold

You will receive a set of audit questions which test compliance with the Review Areas, above. Each question will be scored and weighted. To be awarded the Social Value Quality Mark® Platinum Award, you must achieve a minimum weighted threshold score of 85%.

Pre-Audit Option

If you’re unsure whether your organisation is likely to achieve Silver, you can apply for a pre-audit. This identifies gaps in your evidence, management, understanding and processes ahead of an official audit. You’ll also receive an action plan based on the findings, to give you a greater chance of success.