In a society where greenwashing – and now, perhaps – ‘value washing’, is rife, companies genuinely committed to meaningful change face something of a dilemma: how to stand out for their social sustainability credentials in an authentic way.
This week, Social Value Quality Mark CIC updated its accreditations to align with the UK’s changing social value landscape – including the latest government policies and procurement notices. The new Mark aims to give organisations a strong, defensible and recognised accreditation for the value they add for people and communities.
The Quality Mark is the UK’s most rigorously tested accreditation for social value. Since its launch in 2018, over 175 UK organisations have received the Quality Mark, demonstrating their commitment to doing business which supports a thriving society. Past awardees include Kier Group and ACI Group, Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Herefordshire Council, Staffordshire University, The Cabinet Office and Caledonian MacBrayne.
Richard Dickins, MD and Founder of the Social Value Quality Mark CIC, said: “Organisations increasingly need ways to differentiate themselves and to prove their value claims stack up. As an independent Community Interest Company, we’re proud to update and launch the Quality Mark for a new chapter. As standards and policy requirements change, it’s vital the Mark remains on the pulse as a badge of distinction for values-led business.”
The Quality Mark’s overarching Standards, categories and weightings (against which organisations are assessed) have been overhauled. The changes align the Mark to the latest social value policies and practices in the UK and include:
- A closer alignment to the central government Social Value Model and British Standards Institution BSI standard for social value / social responsibility
- The inclusion of additional criteria around Diversity & Inclusion
- Recognition of best practice charters, codes and schemes that have emerged in recent years – such as the Prompt Payment Code and Mental Health at Work
- Updated terminology to reflect the latest accepted thinking around social value.
Social Value Quality Mark CIC has taken the opportunity to unveil a new identity for the Mark at the same time – rebranding its levels as Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum – and to strengthen its governance. New members have been appointed to its Oversight Panel. The panel comprises experts from across sectors who ensure the Mark is awarded fairly, consistently, independently and legitimately.
“It enables organisations to have their social value independently audited and verified,’ Richard continued. ‘We challenge rigour, showcase value and celebrate high standards. For customers and jobseekers, the Mark shows these are companies committed to doing business which is ethical, sustainable and community-focussed.”
Netting Gold: How Netcompany is standing out for social leadership in the digital space
One of the first organisations to receive one of the new awards is Netcompany UK – a provider of IT solutions that uses the power of digital to help people transition to more sustainable ways of living and working. Netcompany becomes the first tech provider to secure Gold accreditation; it recognises their distinct and mature strategy.
Social Value Quality Mark CIC undertook a rigorous audit, based on 12 months of evidence provided by Netcompany UK. The Auditor also conducted a series of interviews with internal and external stakeholders to understand how social value was being perceived, delivered and experienced.
Highlights of the audit process show that Netcompany UK has:
- Created 211 new, regionally-based jobs
- Supported 323 UK-based suppliers, with 51.4% of supply chain spending placed with SMEs
- Invested £83,935 directly with partnership organisations and charities
- Directly supported 754 young people from local schools in host communities, educating them on digital careers
- Provided training on Disability Awareness to 427 employees and is a Level 2 Disability Confident organisation
- Provided digital skills training for 173 armed forces community personnel and is a Silver-level signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant
Richard Davies, Netcompany UK Country Manager says: “This accreditation recognises the extensive progress we’ve made to grow our impact against the pledges we set ourselves. In the process, we’ve developed a richer understanding of how to measure, develop and maximise the Netcompany pound to support our people, planet and small businesses. It’s huge testament to our workforce who’ve been so committed to the cause.”
Social Value Quality Mark CIC also took the opportunity to recognise new awardees at Bronze level – including All Care, Dale Care, Homecarers (Liverpool), Universal Care Services and Lauriem Complete Care – all part of the Clece Care Services Group of regional care companies.
PDMS, a software engineering and digital transformation company based in Scotland and the Isle of Man also receives Bronze.
For more information, visit www.socialvaluequalitymark.com or email info@socialvaluequalitymark.com
