What is Social Value?
Many businesses support their local communities because it feels like the right thing to do. That "warm fuzzy feeling" of giving something back actually has a formal name: Social Value.
In simple terms, Social Value is the wider benefit that an organisation creates for society beyond the products or services it sells. It considers the positive impact a business has on people, communities, the local economy and the environment.
Since the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 came into force in January 2013, public sector organisations have been encouraged to consider social value when commissioning services. More recently, the Procurement Act 2023 has strengthened the focus on delivering wider social and economic benefits through procurement and supply chains.
As a result, many organisations are now actively looking at how they can demonstrate positive social impact, whether they work with the public sector or not.
How Does This Relate to Work Rest or Play?
Work Rest or Play was built around a simple principle: creating a platform that benefits local people, businesses and communities.
Whilst businesses pay to advertise and promote themselves through the platform, community groups, charities, non-profit organisations and residents are able to access many of the platform's features at little or no cost.
This means that every advertiser helps support:
- Community groups promoting activities and events
- Charities raising awareness of their services
- Local organisations recruiting volunteers
- Residents discovering opportunities within their area
- Community-led initiatives that may otherwise struggle to gain visibility
In short, your advertising package helps make local information, opportunities and connections more accessible to the wider community.
Why Does This Matter?
Businesses are increasingly expected to demonstrate their contribution to society.
This may be because:
- You are bidding for public sector contracts
- Customers want to buy from socially responsible organisations
- You have Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives
- You report against Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks
- You simply want to be recognised as a business that supports its local community
Whilst a Work Rest or Play package alone may not fulfil all of your social value objectives, it can form part of the wider story you tell about how your business contributes positively to the communities it serves.
Examples of Social Value Outcomes
Through your support of Work Rest or Play, you are helping to:
Strengthen Local Communities
By helping local groups, organisations and residents promote activities, services and opportunities, you contribute to stronger and more connected communities.
Not every organisation has the budget, expertise or resources to market themselves effectively. Your support helps ensure important local information remains visible and accessible.
Support the Local Economy
Work Rest or Play promotes local businesses, organisations, events and opportunities, encouraging people to spend, volunteer and participate locally.
From local events and volunteering opportunities to support services and business networking, greater visibility often leads to greater participation.
Going Beyond Your Package
If you would like to increase your social value impact further, Work Rest or Play can also help connect you with opportunities such as:
- Recruiting locally
- Finding local suppliers and partners
- Promoting volunteering opportunities
- Offering skills, expertise or services in kind to community groups
- Supporting local events and initiatives
- Creating stronger connections with community organisations
These activities can help demonstrate a deeper commitment to supporting the places and people where your business operates.
How Could You Reference This?
If you are preparing a tender response, CSR report, ESG statement, website content or marketing material, you may wish to reference your support for platforms and initiatives that create wider community benefit.
For example:
"As part of our commitment to supporting local communities, we invest in platforms and initiatives that increase visibility for local charities, community groups, events and organisations, helping to strengthen community engagement and access to local opportunities."
Need Help Demonstrating Your Social Value?
If you would like to discuss ways to increase your organisation's community impact, identify local partnership opportunities, or make better use of your Work Rest or Play membership, please get in touch.
We're always happy to help businesses connect with opportunities that benefit both their organisation and the communities they serve.
Please note: Social Value requirements vary between organisations and procurement exercises. Advertisers should consider their own circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate. Work Rest or Play membership may contribute towards demonstrating social value but does not guarantee compliance with any specific tender or procurement requirement.