Sustainable Biz Magazine A4 March 2023 - Flipbook - Page 39
Guy Battle, CEO, Social Value Portal,
commented on this year’s Social Value
Conference, saying:
“This is the sixth annual Social Value
Conference and we took an in-depth look
at the Social Value Economy and what
that looks like.
“It is widely understood that Social Value
has made great strides since the Public
Services (Social Value) Act 2012, which
the public sector has fully embraced and
spearheaded.
“What was clearly evident this year, is the
growing interest and enthusiasm from
the private sector. In order to continue
the momentum, we now need this
hugely influential sector to shoulder the
responsibility and carry the Social Value
movement forwards.
“Procurement has been a critical area
where Social Value has, and continues
to, thrive. It’s undoubtedly a good
place to start but what is evident now
is that organisations need to embrace
opportunities to deliver Social Value
beyond procurement such as how a
business manages its own employment
strategy, or building a corporate strategy
that delivers for the Social Value Economy
in all aspects of the business including
marketing, production, sales, people
and culture as well as supply chain
management.
“Delivering transactional Social Value
on a project is proving successful but
it became evident as the conference
progressed that there is a need for
organisations to embed Social Value into
their overall strategy, focussing on leaving
a positive lasting legacy and solving wider
societal problems.
“Accountability is undoubtedly under the
spotlight - and rightfully so. Measuring,
evaluating and reporting performance is
key to our success and the numbers do
matter. However, we must remember that
behind every number, there is a life; a
person, a family and a community. .
“I talk often about ‘radical collaboration’
and indeed, we had several breakout
sessions that explored how we
can collaborate on topics such as;
mission net zero, taking a place-based
approach, sustainable procurement
and rebel ideas. These sessions
provided a great deal of food for
thought and it is clear that radical
collaboration is what will make our
goals a reality.
“What was really encouraging to see
was the enthusiasm, passion and drive
from the younger professionals as they
engage with the new movement we’ve
spawned.
It’s now absolutely imperative that
we are inclusive, clearing the way and
helping them to fly!”
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