Social Value

Explains what Social Value is and how East Riding of Yorkshire Council embed Social Value within key projects and decision-making processes to achieve East Riding priorities and create impactful change within the local community.

What is Social Value?

Social Value refers to the broader impact that an organisation’s activities have on individuals, communities, and the environment. It extends beyond financial profit and focuses on the well-being and development of people, the protection of natural resources, and the overall quality of life within society.

When we speak of Social Value, we are considering how businesses, local authorities, and VCS organisations contribute to creating healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable communities.

For more information, please visit Social Value UK (external website)

What is the Social Value Engine?

The Social Value Engine (SVE) is an online tool used to forecast, plan, measure, and evaluate social value.

It is used by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, partner organisations, and suppliers to assess the social, economic, and environmental impact of activities, projects, and services. The SVE supports both planning-stage forecasting and post-delivery evaluation, enabling consistent and transparent measurement of social value.

What does the Social Value Engine measure?

The Social Value Engine calculates social return on investment (SROI) by applying financial proxy values to outcomes generated by activities.

The platform includes the following:

  • A library of over 800 validated social value proxies
  • Place-based and sector-specific proxy data
  • External proxy search functionality, enabling the use of peer-reviewed or bespoke research
  • AI-supported features to assist with outcome selection, proxy identification, and quality assurance.

The SVE also links outcomes to recognised frameworks, including the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Bristol Accord.

Who developed the Social Value Engine?

The Social Value Engine was co-developed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Rose Regeneration in response to the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, which requires public bodies to consider how they secure wider social, economic, and environmental benefits through their activities.

The platform was designed to meet practical local authority needs while maintaining methodological rigour. The team behind the software has more than 30 years’ collective experience in social value and impact measurement.

In 2022, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Rose Regeneration extended their collaboration through the creation of SVE Ltd, to support continued development of the software and wider adoption.

Is the Social Value Engine software accredited?

Yes. The Social Value Engine is accredited by Social Value International, via Social Value UK, based on its adherence to the eight principles of social value.

The Social Value Engine is also recognised as a Social Value UK and Social Value UK Partner, reflecting its commitment to responsible and reliable social value accounting.

The SVE accreditation certificate can be downloaded here:

Certificate of Software Accreditation (pdf 171kb)

How can I find out more about the Social Value Engine?

Further information about the Social Value Engine, including licensing and access, is available on the official website:

Social Value Engine (external website)

I work for the council and would like more information about Social Value and how I can use it. Who do I contact?

If you work for East Riding of Yorkshire Council and would like advice on social value or how to use the Social Value Engine, please contact the social value team:

Email: socialvalue@eastriding.gov.uk

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