What is Social Value UK All About?
Social Value UK is all about shifting how we think about value. Instead of just counting money, it zooms out to focus on what really matters—people’s lives and the impact decisions have on them. It’s about understanding value from the people’s perspective, because that’s where the real story is. Sure, organisations create both good and bad experiences, but the goal? To tip the scales toward a net positive impact, not just now but for the long haul. Measuring what truly matters to people—beyond profit—is at the heart of it.
The Main Benefit: Measuring What Matters
Social Value UK helps organisations see the bigger picture. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Focuses on wellbeing, not just financial gain
- Considers everyday experiences—like a peaceful walk down a country lane
- Supports better decision-making by measuring social impact
- Encourages involvement from everyone affected—customers, employees, communities
- Uses rich, meaningful data instead of ticking boxes
Why Social Value Goes Beyond Money
Think about it: social value isn’t just dollars and cents. It’s about the little things that shape wellbeing—health, relationships, work, where you live, even the natural world around you. When an organisation makes a choice, like building near a beloved country lane, it can change how people feel, how safe they are, or how stressed they get. Social Value UK helps capture these changes, so decisions aren’t just about profit but about real human impact.
How Social Value UK Supports Organisations
They provide support, training, and assurance to help organisations develop ways to measure and understand social value. This means businesses can get a clearer picture of how their choices ripple out, and local authorities can weigh the pros and cons of new ideas or contracts. It’s about making risks and opportunities easier to spot and manage. And it’s not just a quick checklist—real social value means listening to people, believing them, and being accountable.
The Importance of Genuine Engagement
Ticking boxes? That’s not social value. True social value demands real involvement—from customers and service users to employees and the wider community. It’s about hearing what people say, trusting their experiences, and responding in meaningful ways. Without this, social value becomes just another box to check, easy to manipulate and ultimately meaningless. Rich, authentic data is the only way to truly reflect the social impact of decisions.
Social Value UK’s Impact on Global Goals
- Promotes Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3)
- Supports Quality Education (SDG 4)
- Encourages Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
- Fosters Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
- Advances Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
- Supports Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Promotes Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
Why It All Matters
At its core, Social Value UK believes that changing how we understand value can change the world. By looking beyond just financial numbers, it opens the door to better wellbeing and greater equality for everyone. It’s about making smarter choices—where to invest, what to prioritise—that lead to a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable future. Because when value is measured in people’s lives, not just pounds, the possibilities are endless.
