The Social Values Act becomes effective on 1 January 2013. This guide is designed to help councils, the NHS and other public bodies respond to its requirement. It explains how social value can be embedded into commissioning and procurement.

The guide, produced by Social Enterprise UK in association with Anthony Collins Solicitors, is aimed at commissioners and procurement officials, and explains how the Act was shaped, why it’s important for local government, and offers practical guidance on how social value can be embedded into commissioning and procurement.

The Act calls on public bodies in England and Wales to factor in social value when awarding contracts. It requires smart procurement and new ways of commissioning that help get social value in the DNA of local government practices. If social value is fully embedded in public service procurement, the public sector’s purchasing power can be used to achieve social and environmental benefits alongside financial efficiency.

The Act will transform the way public services are commissioned and delivered across the UK. It is very important to the NHS, which will work collaboratively across local authorities and listen to communities to find out how to best support them using social value.

The Social Value Guide can be downloaded here.