Social Value Conference

The Social Value Conference is a pivotal event that focuses on the integration of social value into public procurement in the UK, where a substantial £434 billion is spent annually across public sector contracts. Social value is increasingly recognized as a critical element for addressing inequality, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhancing local economies, and fostering community strength. This conference, organized by Westminster Insight, aims to equip both buyers and suppliers with the expertise and actionable insights needed to incorporate social value throughout the procurement process—from pre-market engagement to evaluation, award, and performance management. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of aligning procurement practices with local priorities while avoiding superficial commitments that lack enforceability.The event will delve into the legal frameworks and guidance that govern social value, including the recent requirement for a minimum 10% weighting for social value in public sector contracts. It will address the ongoing challenges of translating social value pledges into real-world outcomes, particularly for SMEs and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), which often face barriers in accessing public contracts. Expert speakers, including legal professionals and seasoned practitioners, will share their knowledge on managing social value risks, fostering supplier innovation, and utilizing digital platforms for effective social value reporting. Participants will leave with practical strategies to enhance their organizations’ ability to deliver measurable social impact through procurement, ensuring compliance with the new Social Value Model. This conference is tailored for professionals in public and private sectors responsible for procurement, commissioning, and supplier engagement, including SMEs and VCSEs. Notable speakers include a Professor of Procurement from Cardiff Business School, who has a strong commitment to socially responsible procurement and has made significant contributions to public procurement in Wales. Additionally, legal experts like Nicola, who specializes in public procurement advice and compliance, will share insights into managing contract disputes and ensuring adherence to regulations. The agenda features case studies highlighting successful social value initiatives by various suppliers and offers sessions on defining, measuring, and tracking social value KPIs. Among the featured presentations are discussions on the role of strategic procurement leads, such as those from Monmouthshire County Council and Manchester City Council, who will showcase effective governance structures and collaborative approaches to social value delivery. The conference emphasizes moving beyond mere compliance to achieve genuine community impact and sustainable partnerships. Attendees can expect to gain valuable takeaways that will empower them to shape and implement effective social value strategies, securing meaningful benefits for their organizations and the communities they serve. Overall, the Social Value Conference promises to be an essential gathering for individuals looking to advance their understanding of social value in procurement, share best practices, and collaborate with peers across sectors to drive impactful social change.