With the achievement of SVQM’s first-ever Platinum award by Kier Transportation, we look at the process, the benefits and why accreditation matters now more than ever.
What is the Social Value Quality Mark?
The SVQM is the UK’s leading independent accreditation for organisations that deliver, measure, and embed social value. It recognises genuine commitment to creating positive impact — from community investment and sustainability to inclusive employment and ethical supply chains. SVQM is a proud social enterprise in its own right and a member of @Social Enterprise UK.
Why does it matter?
Under the new Public Procurement Act, social value claims are coming under increasing scrutiny, and some less scrupulous organisations are being accused of ‘value-washing’ – making misleading claims about their commitment to positive impact. In the private sector, investors increasingly look for solid ESG credentials. So, the need for a UK-wide standard – a way to benchmark and verify value – has never been greater. In these changing times, SVQM stands for the highest standards of transparency, ethics and fairness. It’s a symbol to procurement teams, customers, investors and employees of business that benefits communities.
How does it differ to other certifications?
The SVQM is the only independently awarded mark of its kind in the UK. Like an ISO, it provides quality assurance of high standards. Whereas B-Corp certification is a global movement, SVQM is focussed on the specific needs of UK systems and communities. It also has a tiered charging model – making it more accessible for small organisations and VCSEs with a modest turnover. While many certifications focus on environmental sustainability, the SVQM looks at social sustainability with the environment as one core strand.
Article: Why local authorities and leading firms are backing this B-Corp alternative
Does it support change and transformation?
Emphatically yes! It’s one of the great strengths of this accreditation. At each stage, from Bronze to Platinum, organisations make changes to their culture, governance, processes and the way they work, to embed social value. They also receive in-depth reports providing feedback on areas of improvement needed. Clients say the real value is in the journey.
What are the other benefits of accreditation?
SVQM helps organisations:
- Prove their impact with credible, measurable standards
- Stand out in procurement and funding bids
- Build trust with stakeholders, clients, and communities
- Secure investment with ESG-aligned evidence
- Drive internal change through structured pledges and action plans
Our awardee organisations tell us they are healthier, more diverse and competitive as a result of our work with them.
Who recognises the accreditation?
SVQM has accredited or is working with around 400 organisations spanning all sectors and industries. This includes major corporates such as Kier Transportation, CGI, Equifax, ACI Group, Capita, PwC and Moran Sindall Construction; charities such as Alzheimer's Society and Age Concern; public sector organisations including councils, higher education, NHS Trusts and commissioning units; and numerous smaller charities and SMEs.
We are increasingly recognised by UK local authorities, over 150 of which are actively using our tools and resources.
"The Social Value Quality Mark is a useful symbol to our teams. It provides independent assurance of a supplier's commitment to business that benefits our communities."
- Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
How is the SVQM’s independence assured?
The SVQM operates an independent Oversight Panel made up of social value and compliance leaders from across the private, public and third sectors. The panel exists to uphold the highest levels of transparency and trust. It ensures awards are made fairly, consistently and in line with the required standards.
SVQM is also ‘framework agnostic’ – we recognise evidence from multiple sources, frameworks, platforms and third parties – providing it is credible, proportionate and transparent.
What does the SVQM align to?
The SVQM aligns with:
- England: Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, the Procurement Act 2023. Public Procurement Notes 06/20 and 002/3.
- Wales: Future Generations Act, Social Partnerships and Public Procurement Act, Welsh Public Procurement Note 01/2 and 003.
- Scotland: Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, Community Empowerment Act 2015, Scotland Public Procurement Note 10/20, 03/22, 02/25 the Procurement Act 2023. Public Procurement Notes 06/20 and 002/3. Community Benefits Act, Sustainable Procurement Duty and Social Value Act.
- Northern Ireland: Public Procurement Note 01/21, Public Services (Social Value) Act 2013, Procurement Act 2023.
- The UN Sustainable Development Goals and NHS Social Value Playbook.
For organisations bidding for public sector work, it's a great way to demonstrate compliance.
What levels of award are there?
SVQM is structured across four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each level builds on the last, with increasing depth and rigour. Organisations are assessed for their approach, processes, behaviours and delivery... it's not just about the numbers.
- Bronze - looks for commitment and the right foundations in terms of process and governance. It requires measurable pledges and an action plan.
- Silver – looks for evidence of progression against the initial commitments, together with a clear strategy aligned to stakeholder need. It requires impact to be externally reported.
- Gold – looks for demonstrable performance, strong evidence of trust and a mature strategy. It requires at least a year’s worth of evidence.
- Platinum – requires an organisation to be spreading impact and influence outwards – raising standards across their sectors, supply chains and UK-wide. It is based on at least 2 years of evidence.
While most organisations start at Bronze, it is possible to apply for a fast-track Bronze/Silver combined award for organisations who are already some way advanced.
How does the process work?
Bronze is assessed based on an application form and several key pieces of evidence. It is quick and easy to apply online.
Higher level awards are assessed through a detailed audit process. The audit requires evidence to be submitted across 9 standards. It also includes internal and external stakeholder interviews. Audits are usually carried out remotely at a mutually convenient time.
What are the 9 Standards?
The 9 standards guide decision-making and tell you what SVQM is looking to see. These are: Plan, Demonstrate, Calculate, Eco System, Report, Performance Manage, Trust, Influence & Leadership, Culture.
The first 5 standards apply at Silver, 7 standards apply at Gold and all standards apply at Platinum. Each has a set of questions that must be answered to achieve compliance.
How much does it cost?
Bronze accreditation starts at £495 + VAT. Fees are based on organisational turnover - making it accessible for all.
What support is available?
Our partners at Social Value Business can support you with guided accreditation – including a combination of workshops and mentoring tailored to each level. At Silver and above, we offer a pre-audit service, giving you a helpful assessment of how ‘audit ready’ you are and your expected chances of success. Pre-audits identify gaps and provide you with an action plan.
What if we're not ready?
Getting started at Bronze level is straightforward - the main requirement is a commitment to the process. You'll learn as you go - and no-one starts from zero. Most organisations are already creating more value than they realise. Drop us a line for a chat.
