Let's Talk Social Value

In this episode, Sarah is joined by Jacob Hill to explore why businesses should rethink how they approach hiring people with convictions.This honest and practical conversation challenges common misconceptions about risk, trust, and employability. Jacob shares why inclusive recruitment isn’t just a moral argument, it’s a commercial one, and how giving people a second chance can strengthen teams, improve retention, and create real social impact.In this episode, we discuss:▪ The stigma people with convictions face when applying for work ▪ Why employment is one of the biggest drivers of reducing reoffending ▪ The business case for inclusive recruitment ▪ What employers get wrong about risk ▪ How organisations can create the right support structures internallyThis episode is for leaders, HR professionals, procurement teams, and social value practitioners who want to move beyond policy statements and take meaningful action.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode of Let’s Talk… Social Value Strategies, Sarah Stone is joined by Helen Longfils, Group Director of Social Value at Mitie, to explore how social value can move beyond CSR and deliver meaningful, measurable impact.Helen shares how Mitie developed its Plan Thrive social value strategy, why good jobs are central to thriving communities, and how a theory of change helps organisations connect activity to long-term outcomes. The conversation covers inclusive recruitment, place-based delivery, ESG governance, and embedding social value across large public sector contracts.A must-listen for anyone working in social value, ESG, procurement, public sector delivery, or social impact.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this Bitesize episode of Let’s Talk Social Value – Stories and Insights, Jacob Hill, interim CEO and board member at the Institute for Social Value (ISV), talks about stepping into the role and what he has learned so far about the organisation and the wider sector. The conversation explores how ISV supports social value practitioners, organisations and technology providers, and how it connects with Social Value International as the UK “chapter” and custodian of its training and accreditation offer.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Kathy Walker, Co-Founder and CEO of StartUp Sherpas, an edtech company delivering remote work experience and career readiness programmes through their own digital platform.Kathy shares how StartUp Sherpas is helping to bridge the gap between the skills young people learn in school and the skills employers need in the modern workplace. She explains why the traditional education system struggles to keep pace with the rapid changes in the world of work, and how Start Up Sherpas uses innovation and entrepreneurship as vehicles to prepare young people for future careers.Sarah and Kathy discuss the importance of scalability in education, the power of technology to reach more learners, and how nurturing entrepreneurial thinking can open up new pathways for young people across all industries.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Dr Richard Milburn, Visiting Lecturer in War Studies at King’s College London and UK representative for the Pole Pole Foundation, a gorilla conservation charity in Eastern Congo.Richard shares how he applies behavioural science and creative problem-solving to tackle complex challenges in conservation, peacebuilding and social value. He explains why he sees conservation as a social issue as much as an environmental one, highlighting projects such as tackling malnutrition in Congo through spirulina to reduce reliance on poaching.Sarah and Richard discuss how the same behavioural insights can be used to rethink social value in the UK, from replacing CV-based recruitment with challenge-based tasks, to creating back-to-work bonds and linking recycling levies to homelessness initiatives. They also explore his work with Tunza Games and how gamification can inspire engagement and fund real-world conservation..We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, Sarah speaks to Angela Halliday, Director of Social Impact at Sodexo, who plays a key role in guiding Sodexo’s approach to social value. Rather than delivering social impact directly, Angela acts as an internal consultant - educating, enabling, and empowering Sodexo’s workforce to drive change. Listen in to find out about why embedding social value into business operations is more effective than standalone projects, how Sodexo measures social impact beyond numbers and the commercial benefits of social impact, from employee retention to brand reputation. Angela gives some real insight into how companies can create inclusive hiring practices to tap into underutilised talent pools, using Sodexo's impressive record in their success in hiring ex-prisoners as an example.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Social Value, Sarah interviews Angela Benson and Sarah Hinchliffe from the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP). Sarah Hinchliffe, founder and Chair of the APMP UK Social Value Working Group, and Angela Benson, a board member and global head of bid management, share their insights into how bid professionals are shaping the future of social value in procurement.Listen in to hear their take on what buyers are really looking for, how the public and private sectors are evolving, and why a bolted-on approach to social value just doesn’t cut it anymore. Whether you're writing your first social value response or refining a mature strategy, this episode offers real-world tactics, honest reflections, and plenty of professional wisdom.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Social Value, Sarah interviews Catherine Manning, Head of Impact Practice at Impact Reporting and the Programme Director and driving force behind the social valuation tool, MeasureUp. They explore how social value measurement is evolving to focus on real impact rather than just compliance; the opportunities this provides for meaningful decision-making, the role of technology in enhancing measurement practices, and how smaller organisations can effectively start their social value journey. Listen in to also hear their discussion on emerging trends in transparent valuation practices, the challenges faced by resource-limited organisations, and Catherine Manning’s expert advice for newcomers to the field.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Social Value, Sarah interviews Lindsay Maguire, Deputy Director for Procurement Reform at the Cabinet Office. They discuss how the new Procurement Act is reshaping government contracts; the opportunities that provides to prioritise social value, the flexibility of new procurement legislation, and how aligning procurement can help achieve broader social goals. Listen in to also hear their discussion on the publication of key performance indicators and the challenges of legislating on social value.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Holly Onstenk, Vice Chair of the Young Professionals in Social Value Network to hear about how the YPSV started, and has now evolved into a community with 500 members working social value. Sarah and Holly discuss the challenges of breaking into the social value industry, addressing the lack of training, qualifications and mentorship opportunities. They explore the role young professionals play in driving organisational change, the importance of collaboration, and the value of fostering an open space for learning.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, Sarah talks to Andrew O'Brien & Hana Kapetanovic from Demos, one of the UK’s leading think tanks, to explore their ground breaking report, Taming the Wild West: How Technology Can Charter a New Frontier for Social Value.In this  interview, Andrew and Hana share their insights about the evolving role of technology in shaping the social value landscape, challenges in creating a consistent and transparent framework for social value measurement, and key recommendations for policymakers, businesses, and public sector suppliers to drive impactful change.This conversation is packed with insights for anyone navigating the intersection of technology, policy, and social impact.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this latest episode, Sarah had the pleasure of hosting Isabelle Parasram, CEO of The Institute for Social Value. Isabelle speaks about the launch of The Institute for Social Value (previously Social Value UK) and its aims moving forward - supporting companies to tackle social value washing will be one of the areas of focus for its work.Isabelle and Sarah also discuss the future of social value under the Labour Government.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

We've recently been lucky enough to have a conversation with Lindsay Maguire, Deputy Director for Procurement Reform Implementation at the Cabinet Office, and can give you a sneak peak of next month's podcast episode right here!Lindsay reminded us that the Cabinet Office currently have a short stakeholder survey open, which will help inform development of the new NPPS, designed to prompt ideas and insights from stakeholders and experts on how best to shape the NPPS to support a new, mission-driven approach to public procurement through increased value for money, social value, innovation and collaboration.The survey is open now and will close on Monday, 4 November 2024 at midday, so this is your chance to help shape this crucial policy!We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

Listen in as Sarah talks to Lorraine Cox, Director of STAR Procurement and Chair of the National Social Value Taskforce.  Lorraine talks about the importance a social value offering plays when bidding on a public sector tender, and the ways in which the upcoming Procurement Act will change the tendering process.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

Join Sarah in this episode as she talks to Rachel Searle, from Foundation Scotland, about community benefits. Discover what they are, how they are administered, who has the power to make the decisions, and the significant positive impact they can have on a local community.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

Listen in as Sarah dives deep into the world of NHS procurement with Alastair Clay,  Sustainable and Social Value Manager at the NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative.  Together they discuss how to approach social value in your tenders to create maximum impact, what the NOE CPC is looking for from suppliers in terms of social value and the 4 golden words you need to know for crafting winning social value answers.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this latest episode, Sarah talks to Steve Hill, Commercial Director of Auticon UK, a global IT consultancy and social enterprise whose mission is to improve the employment prospects of neurodivergent people. We’ll hear about the additional value that employees with autism can bring to the table, especially in sectors such as IT, as well as hearing what organisations can do to transform their workplaces to achieve a space that works for both neurotypical and neurodivergent employees. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, Sarah interviews Nicola Lynch, a Level Three Advanced Practitioner in Social Value.Nicola is a Social Impact and Evaluation specialist and is one of only a handful of accredited Social Value & SROI trainers in the UK.   We’re going to take you on a journey that will really make you think about your own understanding of social value, how we measure social value, and the implications that has.  We’ll cover the difference between inputs, outputs, outcomes, impact, and value.Nicola will explain the theory of change and how that differs from a logic model, and we’ll also dive a little bit into digital tools, how they work, and the most important thing to remember when using them. Resources: Social Value UK TrainingThe Principles of Social ValueSocial Value Case StudiesWe hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, Sarah interviews Rachel Stancliffe, CEO of the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. Listen in as we dive into sustainable healthcare with Rachel Stancliffe, CEO of the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.  With a significant portion of healthcare’s carbon footprint stemming from within the procurement chain, Rachel guides us through the comprehensive strategies and training the Centre delivers to minimise and eradicate waste.  Prioritising preventive measures, patient-centered care, efficient pathways, and low-carbon interventions are a key focus.  The Centre aims to inspire and empower healthcare professionals to embrace sustainable practices, leveraging education, collaboration, and community involvement, ultimately advancing a culture of sustainability throughout the healthcare sector.  Resources: www.sustainablehealthcare.org.uk https://networks.sustainablehealthcare.org.uk/resources [email protected]  We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

To coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, Sarah talks to Sadie Besley, Randstad’s Divisional Managing Director for Professional Talent Solutions about flexi apprenticeships. A relatively new offering, we find out how they differ from traditional apprenticeships and what makes them work in certain industries.   Allowing learners to take on short term placements at multiple companies and providing access to greater experience across a range of different projects.  For employers, they're able to access untapped pool of talent in a really different way, most likely attracting a more diverse workforce as a result.   Get in touch with Sadie’s team for more information: [email protected]  We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, Sarah interviews Peter Coy, Social Value Implementation Lead at the Ministry of Defence.Tune in to learn about the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) commitment to social value through its dedicated Social Value Centre of Expertise. Uncover the broader scope of social value, spanning areas like social mobility, veteran support, and environmental impact, as the MoD operates beyond a checkbox approach. Understand the MoD’s strategic shift to a value-driven approach to defence procurement, and learn how the MoD engages with suppliers, encouraging them to align with policy outcomes. And gain insight into how social value factors into contract evaluation.Resource: Doing Business with DefenceWe hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, Sarah meets with Rebecca Phillips, from  the Careers and Enterprise Company, which is the national body for careers education in England. We’ll be finding out why employers need to develop early years careers education programmes and engage with schools, to help combat sector-wide skills shortages and secure a talent pipeline that they need. We'll also discuss why it’s important for employers and educators to work together to support young people at the start of the journey into the world of work. Preparing the next generation for the workforce is a priority for us all, so have a listen, find out what you can do and how the Careers and Enterprise Company can help you.Rebecca represents the Dorset CEC Hub. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, Sarah interviews Susan McPherson, the author of "The Lost Art of Connecting.” Susan McPherson is the founder and CEO of a US-based, B-Corp certified boutique communications consultancy, McPherson Strategies, specialising in impact communications for corporations, foundations, NGOs, and social enterprises. The interview covers various topics related to Susan's work and her approach to building meaningful connections, including her ‘Gather, Ask, Do’ methodology, which can be applied both when making personal, professional connections, and as an approach for organisations to adopt when engaging with stakeholders. Also mentioned:  Grow the Pie: How Great Companies Deliver both Purpose and Profit, Alex Edmans We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, we speak to Lucy Mann, the Senior Business Sales Manager at Unseen, as she sheds light on the critical work carried out by the modern slavery charity.  Unseen is dedicated to supporting and empowering survivors of modern slavery, and working with individuals, communities, businesses, NGOs and government to stamp out slavery for good.Lucy explains how Unseen provides safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery.  With practical tips and insights, Lucy highlights how businesses can mitigate risks and create a safe environment for their workers. From raising awareness and mapping supply chains to implementing robust escalation and remediation measures, she emphasizes the need for ongoing engagement and transparency.We discuss how the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, a key component of Unseen's initiatives, allows survivors, professionals, businesses, and the public to report concerns or seek assistance.  Their engagement and partnership work through The Business Hub, The Finance Hub and The Construction Hub allows them to offer ongoing support to combat slavery within these respective industries.Unseen's activities go beyond supporting victims, they also work with governments and policymakers, and businesses. And with at least 28 million people trapped in forced labour around the world, no business is risk free.If you're interested in finding out how Unseen can support your organisation in reducing your risks and becoming a leader in preventing worker exploitation, reach out to Unseen via their website.If are a victim of modern slavery, or you would like to report a suspected case of modern slavery, please call the UK modern slavery & exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700 or file an online report.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, we speak with Heledd Kendrick, the founder of Recruit for Spouses, a B-Corp accredited social enterprise which works to remove barriers for military spouses, and help them into employment. Join us as we delve into the challenges faced by military spouses in their pursuit of meaningful employment, and discover how Recruit for Spouses is making a remarkable difference by helping organisations close their skills gaps while creating a more inclusive workplace. We discuss who Recruit for Spouses are and what they do for both the military spouse community and the businesses they work with, the barriers and some of the misconceptions around the environmental barriers experienced by the partners of military personnel, and the value that members of this community can bring to your organisation.  Recruit for Spouses, is breaking down barriers and empowering these talented individuals to contribute their skills to the workforce effectively. We encourage organisations to consider the untapped potential of military spouses and explore ways to collaborate with Recruit for Spouses to close their skills gaps and foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce. You can reach out to Recruit for Spouses via the online form on their website or by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]  We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is an arms-length body of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with a responsibility to provide advice, information and guidance to enhance people’s understanding and knowledge of financial matters and their ability to manage their own financial affairs. This is done directly through free and impartial services designed to help people make the most of their money and pensions.  We sat down with Paul Fox, Regional Partnerships Manager at Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) to discuss financial wellbeing and why the financial wellness and education of staff should be a priority for employers. This episode offers a wealth of valuable insights and practical advice as Paul shares lots of easy, practical tips for things that organisations – with the support of the Money and Pensions Service – can do.  Contact the Money and Pensions ServiceVisit the MoneyHelper website, or find and contact your relevant Regional Manager here. Follow Paul on LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can email  [email protected]  Further resources and links·       Information on MaPS’ UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing, Agendas for Change and their 2030 National Goals can be found here.·       Pensions Advice - How to talk to your employees about pensions and access MoneyHelper’s Pensions Basics and Pension Wise guides.·       Download MaPS’ new Guide to Financial Wellbeing for Employers  here.·       Information about Talk Money Week (6 – 10 November 2023) and how to get involved can be found here.·       MoneyHelper is MaPS’ consumer-facing brand. The link to the website full of practical advice and sources of support for employees and employers can be found here.·       Find out more about Credit Unions by visiting their website here. ·       To set up a Financial Wellbeing Champions programme check out MaPS' Money Guiders Framework Programme. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode, we speak with James Dundas from the EY Foundation and learn about the challenges that disadvantaged young people face when trying to enter the job market; and how companies can help break down the barriers that stand in their way. Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience unemployment and to struggle to secure stable, well-paid work. This is due to a range of factors, including lack of access to education and training, discrimination, and a lack of social and professional networks. But it doesn't have to be this way and companies have a crucial role to play in creating a more level playing field for young people from all backgrounds. By offering training, mentorship, and opportunities for work experience, businesses can help to equip disadvantaged young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace. This episode is not one to miss. James shares some heart-warming stories and fantastic examples of how companies are partnering with the EY Foundation to help disadvantaged young people.  Whether you’re an individual looking for a meaningful way to spend your volunteering days, or an organisation wanting to make a commitment to deliver mentoring, workshops or work experience for disadvantaged young people, you’ll learn a lot from James. If you’d like to get involved, you can find out more about EY Foundation's Corporate Partnerships here  or email [email protected] Click here to connect with James via LinkedIn We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode of Let’s Talk Social Value, we are joined by Carol Glenn, Social Value Programme Manager at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. If you are a supplier to the public sector and always wanted to know what happens once you submit your bid and how important the social value question is. You will not want to miss this episode. Carol shares Solihull's procurement process and what she needs to see in a social value question, what she doesn't want to see and what she wishes suppliers would do more. It is packed with tips and ideas on accessing and understanding local authorities' key social value priorities. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

In this episode of Let’s Talk Social Value, we are joined by Debbie Ryan, the Group CEO of Impact Academy. They are one of the government-registered apprenticeship training providers. They are delivering a whole range of apprenticeships, including some focusing on sustainability. So who better to ask about apprenticeships and how they can help create social value. Debbie guides us through the complexity of apprenticeships and makes it easy to understand. Debbie said, “Think of the apprenticeship as the wraparound training course around the individual. Rather than the individual. And that’s the best way to try and understand it. You can put your existing employees on an apprenticeship program. If you are a non-levy payer, so a co-investment employer, you can have up to 10 apprentices at any one time. So think about your existing staff. You don’t have to go and create new roles. Your CEO can be on an apprenticeship program.We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

Today we are joined by Caroline McKenna, CEO + Founder of Social Good Connect. Along with her passionate team, they make employee volunteering as easy as ordering a takeaway!  Connecting employees to their ideal volunteering opportunities through their unique digital search and match technology. And how volunteering can not only make an impact but make you feel even better than going to the gym. It's the feel-good factor. How do you embed volunteering into your culture? Caroline shares how Social Good Connect can help you do this by setting clear goals and practical ideas to build this culture and encourage staff engagement. it is about starting with "small, simple things but doing them consistently."Caroline discusses what B Corp means and how you achieve it. Social Good Connect is only two years into its journey and has become certified, which is a huge achievement. But it doesn't stop there. This is a commitment to making their business a force for good and continuing to align its goals, operations and impact with the Sustainable Development Goals. If you are an organisation that wants to learn the value of volunteering and the positive impact this can have on your business, give this episode a listen. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

Our guest today is Zahra Hedges, the CEO of Winning Scotland. A charity based in Scotland that acts as a catalyst for change. Collaborating with like-minded partners, they build confidence and resilience in all of Scotland's young people. Zahra is also a Trustee of Scaro, a not-for-profit based in Edinburgh and an Associate for Samtaler.  Zahra shares with us the importance of volunteering and the confidence it brings to her team and their personal development. The difference between team building days and volunteering; is understanding what organisations need and how you can have influence beyond planting a garden or painting a room. Zahra explains what she means by a 'winning culture' and how this impacts and helps young people in Scotland.She also shares advice to prepare for tender responses - don't leave it to the last minute! Build and nurture relationships with charities in your communities. Move beyond social value for the sake of tenders. It is about understanding what the charities need first. Then when you come to write a social value response, you are already doing great stuff that has a real impact for you to draw upon.  This episode is packed with ideas and sound advice to create social value with charities and local communities.  We hope you enjoy it. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected]. 

Our guest today is Jaime Chapman, the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the US Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce. Jaime served in the US Army Reserves for 6-years and is currently an active duty Army spouse who is stationed with her family in Texas. In this episode, you'll learn about the challenges serving military personnel are currently facing. How to create a diverse supply chain using military spouse and veteran-owned suppliers and what the benefits are if you employ them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has signed the Armed Forces Covenant—and looking for ways to create social value in the defence sector and support the military community.We hope you enjoy it. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have a topic you'd like us to discuss or you would like to be considered as a guest please get in touch at [email protected].