Social Value

Our Social Value approach

We recognise the worth of Social Value and the difference it can make to the people, communities, and businesses in Stockton-on-Tees.

We aim to maximise the value of every pound we spend, to create and develop opportunities for the local economy.

The strategic context for our Social Value outcomes derive from the Stockton-on-Tees Plan 2024 , Inclusive Growth Strategy, A Fairer Stockton-on -Tees Strategic Framework and the Environmental, Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Strategy.

We do this by using a reduced version of the National Themes Outcomes and Measures Framework (TOMs).

The TOMs framework is a tool that allows the Council to attribute a financial value against a range of Social Value activities committed to by suppliers, providers and contractors through the procurement process.

Key Outcomes Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is looking to achieve as identified in the Social Value TOMs Framework include:

Work

Creating local employment opportunities, creating equal employment opportunities, providing skills and experience for good work, providing good work opportunities, developing skills and experience for future work.

We will support our residents to access secure and sustainable employment, by helping them to develop and make the most of their skills. We will focus efforts on communities that have more prevalent issues with lower skills and lower wages, as well as people facing barriers to employment, such as those living with a disability or those with long term health conditions.

Economy

Building diverse and sustainable supply chains, promoting a diverse and resilient business community. 

We will work with our local companies to increase their positive impact on local communities, the local environment and supply chains, ensuring that more wealth is retained here and circulates locally. Stockton-on-Tees will be recognised place of responsible business and local ownership.

Community

Building resilient communities, building community wellbeing. 

We will work with our local companies to increase their positive impact on local communities, the local environment and supply chains, ensuring that more wealth is retained here and circulates locally. Stockton-on-Tees will be recognised place of responsible business and local ownership. We will also build on community strengths and grow resilience, by helping to put more economic assets in the hands of our local communities and by encouraging communities to invest and spend with local companies to promote growth.

Planet

Restoring our climate and improving air quality through decarbonisation, restoring our climate and improving air quality through transport, promoting environmentally sustainable procurement, protecting and restoring biodiversity and ecosystems, transitioning to a regenerative economy

As part of our approach to support vibrant and healthy communities, we will take advantage of opportunities to make best use of green space, improve energy efficiency and air quality. This will include working with developers and other partners to influence design and delivery, as well as raising awareness about the health impacts of poor air quality and promoting behaviours that can have a positive impact.

Social Value in Procurement

Our Procurement team have a legal responsibility through the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 to consider how what is to be procured might improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of the relevant area - this is defined as Social Value. We use a Social Value toolkit to identify the additional value successful contractors bring to the area when they are awarded contracts for goods, services or works.

Our Social Value Toolkit reflects the Councils priorities and is aligned with the Stockon-on-Tees Plan and National TOM's framework.

If you have any questions about our social value approach, contact corporateprocurement@stockton.gov.uk.