Presentation on the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 - what the act is, what it means and how VCOs can use it.

1. The Public Services
(Social Value) Act 2012
Charlotte Stuffins
Policy and Research, NCVO

2. Government Definition:
“Social value seeks to maximise the
additional benefit that can be created by
procuring or commissioning services,
above and beyond the benefit of merely
the services themselves.”

3. Consider Social
Value

5. Chris White MP:
“The aim of the Act is to support
community groups, voluntary
organisations and social enterprises to
win more public sector contracts.”
“This dialogue will give a chance for new
innovations to occur within public sector
commissioning and drive-up standards.”

6. “Public sector commissioners were failing to
recognise the social value of charities when
awarding contracts. The Social Value Act
may prove helpful in remedying the
situation.”

7. Best Value Statutory Guidance
(September 2011)
• Sets out the principles of social value and
urges councils not to make
disproportionate cuts to local charities.
• Has already been used to hold councils to
account – 16 charities had their grants
from Derby City Council extended after
challenging with the Best Value
Guidance.

8. NCVO welcomes the Social Value Act:
•It could lead to better services
•It could see more involvement of charities
in public service design and delivery
•It is important to monitor the Act’s
implementation and for charities to bring it
to commissioners’ attention

9. Main impact and challenges of the Act:
•National Government – publicise the Act
and promote good practice
•Local Government – train officers to
improve commissioning processes and to
engage better with communities
•Voluntary sector – understand and
demonstrate social value effectively

10. For further information:
Search “Social Value Act” on:
•www.ncvo-vol.org.uk
•www.legislation.gov.uk
Or contact me:
Charlotte.stuffins@ncvo-vol.org.uk
0207 520 2412
@ncvocharlotte