This work is part of the borough’s broader strategy to embed social value into its procurement activities.

We also heard from local people who these initiatives have impacted, demonstrating the tangible impact that social value can have on local residents and communities.

We’re excited to hear more stories like these in the weeks and months ahead as Match My Project gains traction.

Here are our reflections following the event:

Social value opens doors 

We heard directly from some of the young people who’ve had employment and training opportunities as a result of these social value initiatives.

Aura from Shooters Hill 6th Form spoke keenly about how his time on a real construction site with Mullaley has changed his preconceptions about careers in construction.

Similarly, Charlie told us how his apprenticeship at Axis has helped him to realise first-hand some of the opportunities available within the Quantity Surveying field. 

These aren’t just two more apprenticeships created, they’re two more doors open to young people at important moments in their careers.

We expect to see more local people securing placements through the Pathways to Work feature on Match My Project.

Collaboration is key

A central theme of the showcase was the importance of collaboration between the borough, local organisations, and suppliers to achieve social value goals.

This was evident in a presentation by Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) about how they’re working with three of the borough’s contracted property consultants (Faithorn Farrell Timms, Martin Arnold and Potter Raper) to deliver social value in Greenwich. 

Stuart Butler-Gallie, Environment, Social and Governance Consultant for CACT, shared some of the projects that have emerged from this partnership, including an employability workshop which provided young people with an introduction to the construction industry.

Collaboration between the public, private and voluntary sectors is key to maximising social value delivery in communities. 

Match My Project provides a platform to connect organisations in Greenwich, bringing public, private and voluntary organisations together to work on exciting collaborative projects like the employability workshop.

Match My Project is helping authorities generate direct investment in community projects

Procurement Strategy Lead for Royal Borough of Greenwich, Dean Hogan, drew the day to a close with some details on how the borough plans to leverage its significant spending power to generate additional social value.

 An important part of this strategy is the borough’s recent investment in Match My Project.

Having officially launched with Match My Project in February this year, the borough’s contractors and community organisations have already started matching and working on local projects together.

Here’s some of the impact we’ve already seen through Greenwich’s Match My Project site:

– 2 projects completed

– 7 matches 

– Over 60 businesses and community organisations signed up and ready to match!

Looking to the future, we’re excited to continue supporting Greenwich’s social value journey, connecting businesses with community needs, and helping to maximise the positive potential of public procurement.

Greenwich organisations – sign up to Match My Project here to find out where your support is needed!