As we step into spring, we're excited to introduce new events to our calendar!

Look out for upcoming webinars on The Procurement Act, interactive Lunch and Learn sessions, fresh Thought Leadership Group activities, and much more. Stay tuned—keep an eye on your inbox and our events page for the latest updates.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who shared their input on the events you would like to see this year. We also appreciate those who took the time to complete our online survey—it is your feedback that helps us create a dynamic and relevant events calendar for our members.

We hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter. Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for real-time updates on our ever-evolving calendar.

Best wishes,
The Editorial Team

 
 

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 
 
The Procurement Act 2023 is now in force, introducing key changes aimed at improving transparency, flexibility, and accountability in public procurement. But what does this mean in practice? 
 
I'll be chairing a webinar on 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝘁𝗵 to discuss the impact of these reforms: 
 
𝟭𝟮:𝟯𝟬𝗽𝗺 - 𝟭:𝟬𝟬𝗽𝗺 | Panel discussion – open to all 
𝟭:𝟬𝟬𝗽𝗺 - 𝟭:𝟯𝟬𝗽𝗺 | Q&A – members only 
 
I'll explore what’s changing, how the Act affects procurement processes, and where there’s still room for progress in areas like social value, sustainability, and long-term impact. 
 
🔗 Register your interest via the Jotform attached: https://lnkd.in/eQZizEG5 
 
Key Changes Introduced by the Act: 
 
✔ A new Central Digital Platform to improve accessibility and efficiency. 
✔ A Procurement Review Unit to uphold standards and ensure contracts deliver impact. 
✔ New exclusion grounds to strengthen ethical and security considerations. 
 
These reforms represent progress, but their true impact will depend on implementation. At The Institute for Social Value, we’ll continue working with stakeholders to ensure procurement drives real social and economic value. 
 
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!  

Isabelle Parasram OBE 

 
 

Upcoming Training

Getting Started with Social Value https://socialvalueuk.org/training/getting_started/

  • 7 April Training Detail - Social Value UK

Social Value and SROI Practitioner Training  https://socialvalueuk.org/online-social-value-and-sroi-practitioner-training/

  • 18 March Training Detail - Social Value UK

  • 2 April Training Detail - Social Value UK

  • 19 May https://socialvalueuk.org/event-details/?Id=a0JQB000006G1rJ2AS

  • 16 June https://socialvalueuk.org/event-details/?Id=a0JQB000006GF7h2AG

If you are unsure what training course is right for you, read this guidance: https://socialvalueuk.org/choosing-the-right-social-value-training-level-1-vs-level-2-accredited-practitioner/

  • Social Value in Education Thought Leadership Group – new date to be announced soon. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact j.brown3@ljmu.ac.uk

  • TLG Social Value in the Built Environment: Next meeting TBC

  • Assurance & Accreditation Check the website for the next rounds.

  • ISV Workshops Please see the website for tailored support

 

 

Join Us for Our Next Lunch & Learn Networking Session!

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, 19th March, from 12:30 to 1:30pm for another insightful Lunch & Learn session. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow members, exchange ideas and gain valuable insights into social value and social impact.

This month, we’re excited to welcome Barry Flanagan, Head of Social Sustainability Projects at European Metal Recycling (EMR). Barry will explore the concept of social sustainability and its impact on the metal recycling industry, focusing on ethical business practices, community well-being and the role of responsible operations in benefiting both people and the environment.

Don’t miss this engaging discussion—bring your lunch, join the conversation and expand your network! Click here to book your place.

 

Thought Leadership Group in Education

We are very much looking forward to 2025 and excited to introduce a new programme format aimed at ‘shifting the dial’in key areas at the intersection of social value and education. To learn more, feel free to contact j.brown3@ljmu.ac.uk or eimear.davis@socialvalueuk.org. Dates and content will be shared very shortly.

Thought Leadership Group on the Built Environment

We’re excited to announce that our Thought Leadership Group on the Built Environment will be relaunching soon! Stay tuned for updates on topics and dates—be sure to check LinkedIn and your member emails for the latest details.

 

Step Up for a Cause – Our March Charity Walking Challenge 

This March, the ISV community is stepping up - literally! Our Charity Walking Challenge isn’t just about getting active; it’s about coming together as a team, led by our CEO, to support a cause that truly matters. 

After much anticipation, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be walking in support of WaterAid! We’ll be doing this by aiming to walk 5km (less than 10,000 steps) per day in March, raising £10 for every kilometre walked. 

WaterAid is an incredible organisation that helps women and girls around the world gain access to clean water, freeing them to work, learn, and build better futures. 

The best part? You can join us from anywhere. This is a fully inclusive challenge - whether you walk, run, push, roll, or move in any way that suits you, you’ll be making a difference. You don't have to walk 5km per day - any number of kilometres and any equivalent activity to walking during the month of March will help raise funds. 

How can you get involved? 

 Walk ‘alongside’ us – Wherever you are in the world, take part in your own way. 

 Spread the word – Share our journey and cheer us on! 

 Sponsor the challenge – Every contribution counts towards creating real impact. 

Sign up to walk with us here: https://form.jotform.com/250553777806365 

Want to donate or learn more? Visit our fundraising page: https://walkforwater.wateraid.org/fundraising/the-institute-for-social-values-walk-for-water-challenge-march-2025 

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing daily updates, reflections on social impact leadership, and stories about WaterAid’s vital work. Together, we’ll explore the theme of “one step at a time” - a reminder that small actions lead to meaningful change. 

And as we walk through March, we’ll also be marking International Women’s Day on 8th March - a perfect opportunity to highlight how access to clean water empowers women and girls worldwide. By walking for WaterAid, we’re taking a stand for gender equality and sustainable change. 

So, lace up your walking shoes (or grab your wheels!) and join us in taking powerful steps towards a better future. Let’s make every step count! 

 
 
 
 

To feed into our next issue, please contact info@socialvalueuk.org.

The Institute for Social Value Team.

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Social Value UK, 167-169 Great Portland Street, 5th Floor, London, W1W 5PF

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