Sector - Education & Training
Social Value guidance launched
1 Dec 21

New guidance has been launched to help developers, planners and local authorities include Social Value in the planning process.
Released by Social Value Portal, the leading online tool for measuring, managing and reporting social value, the briefing paper outlines how developers and local authorities can effectively incorporate social value initiatives as part of a planning application.
The importance of Social Value within developments has been highlighted by the publication of two important Government policies: Procurement Policy Note PPN06/20 and the Construction Playbook, which call for all public sector commissioning to factor in economic, social and environmental well-being in connection with public services contracts and to assess the delivery of these works on completion of the project.
An estimated £30bn of social value remains unutilised due to planning authorities and developers failing to grasp the opportunity of providing not just the best price, but also the best social value during the planning process.
Entitled ‘Embedding Social Value into Planning’, the document is the result of a collaboration across the planning, development, and design communities, known as the Social Value Planning Taskforce. It was set up in November 2020 as a working group of the National Social Value Taskforce to find a way to embed social value into the planning process, delivering better places to live and work and to build trust in local planning and development.
Guy Battle, CEO, Social Value Portal said: “Whilst social value within procurement is widely recognised and enforced, it is not so clearly accounted for in a planning application. The end result is that communities are deprived of additional social benefits that would otherwise be available – if developers were asked to consider the wider contribution a development can bring to society.”
Guy Battle continues: “The Taskforce is in agreement that the best way to embed social value into planning is by requiring developers to submit a Social Value Statement as part of the planning application. This briefing paper highlights the need for a more transparent demonstration of a developer’s understanding of local needs – and a commitment to addressing these through measurable social value outcomes.
“Put simply, if these measures can be adopted throughout the planning process and social value is successfully integrated and measured, a new development will be considered a success and trust in the planning process will improve.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, it is essential for planners and developers to work closely together to build back better, greener and fairer.”
If you would like to read more stories like this, then please click here
More Education & Training News
- Report published to unlock financing to decarbonise school estates
9 Jun 25
Financing Decarbonisation of Schools Report, outlines the barriers and potential solutions that could significantly reduce
- Immigration policy must serve Britain, not party politics – NFB
29 May 25
The Government has published a new White Paper which sets out major reforms to the
- University of Wolverhampton unveils major decarbonisation project
27 May 25
University of Wolverhampton £11M project to accelerate their journey to net zero.
-
Sector Press Releases
- How to avoid disputes in the Construction Industry
Disputes in construction are unavoidable but in recent years these disputes have fallen.
- Visit Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s Lone Worker Directory
Lone worker apps and devices come in many shapes and sizes.
- Invest in your staff’s safety in 2018
Regardless of the job you do, every employee has the right to expect that their employer is doing
- Safer Sphere continues to grow after 5 years in Construction Health and Safety
Safer Sphere celebrate their 5th year in Construction Health Safety this December.
- UCEM and Chartered Surveyors Training Trust to deliver unified set of apprenticeship services
New seamless service introduced for apprenticeships in the Built Environment.
- UCEM shortlisted for Sustainable Project of the Year
The judging panel is made up of the UK’s leading construction clients and industry experts.
Sector Case Studies
- Why we need more women in construction
The building sector needs to embrace the age of equality, says Phantom.
- Looking to the Future: Why Apprenticeships Matter
Phantom outlines the importance of tapping into future generations.
- Could technology help your staff stay safe?
While technology has made our lives easier and safer, it is still vital to remember
- Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s training team attend the Build Show at UK Construction Week
This October, Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s training team attended the Build Show at UK Construction Week
- Personal Safety Culture: Supporting Success
Suzy Lamplugh Trust outlines the importance of adequate training when working alone.
- What is Personal Safety?
Defining personal safety with Suzy Lamplugh Trust.