It’s one thing getting suppliers to commit to Social Value – and another for them to deliver it

Over the years, Social Value has suffered from what we call the ‘credibility gap’. 

That’s the difference between rhetoric and reality. 

Or… what suppliers promise to deliver at tender stage and what they deliver in contract mobilisation. 

There are ways and means of dealing with this. Let’s take them in turn. 

Option 1: ask the supplier to self certify

This is a tricky one.

It creates a risk of gaming: essentially, you are asking suppliers to mark their own homework. 

In our experience, the people who do Social Value in supplier organisations believe in Social Value and do a great job of delivering it. But, as an institution, suppliers have to focus on revenues and profit margins. 

That will always be the priority and this is where potential conflict of interests arise if you go with Option One. 

Option 2: ask a third party to assure

Can be expensive.

Asking a team of consultants to assure can increase time and cost. 

There is also the risk that the consultants may not have the experience or insight to do this job properly. 

And more potential conflict of interest is the team of consultants is also in a contractual relationship with the supplier. Sub-optimal.

Option 3: use a marketplace platform

Marketplace platforms, like Match My Project, have direct access to the community beneficiary. 

If a supplier has committed to delivering a resource or an apprenticeship, the community beneficiary – the organisation or the individual – is on Match My Project and will record whether the resource has been delivered to time and to quality. 

This is then shared across the network to establish which suppliers are credible and consistent. 

No need for suppliers to self-certify or to bring in costly consultants if you use Match My Project.

Would a quick chat be helpful? Let’s see if we can help you deliver Social Value that is community led and community verified.