Chamber leads region-wide conversation on social value in procurement
Date published:
The Chamber has successfully delivered a four-part workshop series exploring how social value can be more effectively embedded into procurement processes across the region. With public sector procurement undergoing significant change and social value weightings now forming up to 20% of contract evaluations, the series brought together over 100 attendees, including buyers, suppliers and voluntary sector organisations to examine both the opportunities and challenges involved.
The workshop series, delivered in partnership with Esh Group, provided a platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing and regional collaboration. Discussions centred on how to achieve a more consistent and community-led approach to social value that works for both large organisations and SMEs, and delivers real benefits for people across the North East.
Darush Dodds, director of corporate affairs & social value at Esh Group, said: “We’re proud to have partnered with the Chamber on this important series. It’s clear there’s a shared ambition across the region to embed social value more consistently and meaningfully – and that starts with honest conversations and genuine collaboration.”
Throughout the series, several key insights emerged:
- There is a clear appetite for a regional framework that simplifies social value delivery and supports a more level playing field for smaller businesses and VCSEs.
- Social value should be designed with communities, not imposed on them, with local knowledge and relationships shaping the goals of each project.
- Transparency and accountability are vital. Many delegates voiced concern about organisations over-promising during the bidding stage and under-delivering once contracts are awarded.
- Delegates emphasised the importance of early engagement, especially with young people and schools, to create long-term career pathways and economic impact.
- The use of storytelling alongside quantitative data was highlighted as an effective way to capture real-world outcomes and human impact.
- While national models like TOMS are valuable, many called for greater regional flexibility and alignment with the North East’s economic makeup, particularly the role of SMEs.
The workshops also explored how legal frameworks, such as the Procurement Act, are evolving, and what these changes mean for public authorities, suppliers and contract delivery. Panel discussions raised important questions around ownership of social value, the need for clear evaluation criteria, and whether penalties or incentives should be used to ensure social value is meaningfully delivered.
The final session brought together representatives from NEPO, NECA, Muckle LLP, and Esh Group, who reinforced the shared ambition to avoid duplication, support what’s already working in the community and build a simpler, more joined-up system for the future. From education and skills to sustainability and health, the potential to drive long-term, measurable change through procurement was widely recognised.
What attendees said:
The sessions were praised for their openness and relevance, with feedback from attendees including:
- “I have found the workshops so useful and valuable. Yet another great example of NECC hitting the right spot for businesses and organisations of all types in our region.” – Refugee Futures
- “Just a quick note to say well done on delivering the event today! The session was well arranged and delivered…the discussion was great – open and honest, which is what is needed.” – Durham County Council
- “It looks like the series has been a huge success. I have heard nothing but great reports about it.” – Muckle LLP
Social Value Working Group – next steps
Continuing the momentum from the workshop series, the Chamber is launching a Social Value Working Group. Bringing together organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors, the group will help coordinate efforts, share practical solutions and ensure social value activity reflects the needs and strengths of communities across the North East.
Tim Marsden, knowledge manager at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “A key focus of the group will be to ensure a strong business representation, so the views of employers across all sectors are reflected in how social value is shaped and delivered. The group will provide a space to share learning, align local priorities, and support more practical, meaningful social value outcomes for communities and organisations.”
The Chamber would like to thank all speakers, contributors and attendees for their involvement in the series and their continued commitment to delivering social value with purpose.
For further information or to get involved in the Chamber’s ongoing work around social value and procurement, please contact Tim Marsden, knowledge manager at [email protected].