Chamber launches social value guide

A regional business organisation has launched a new best practice guide aimed at helping employers deliver greater social and economic benefits through procurement, employment and community engagement.

The North East Chamber of Commerce has brought together representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors to develop a framework encouraging a more consistent and collaborative approach to social value across the region.

The guide is designed to help businesses understand how their activities can generate wider benefits for communities and the environment, beyond their core products and services.

It identifies shared regional priorities including local economic contribution, quality employment, inclusive supply chains, skills development, environmental sustainability, wellbeing and community engagement.

The framework was developed following four stakeholder workshops convened by the Chamber, which led to the establishment of its Social Value Working Group.

Co-chaired by Chamber public affairs manager Chris Kelsey and Esh Group director of corporate affairs and social value Darush Dodds, the group brought together regional leaders to examine existing approaches, identify challenges and share examples of best practice.

Their findings have informed a report exploring how organisations can improve the consistency, effectiveness and long-term impact of social value initiatives.

Practical recommendations include encouraging businesses to strengthen local supply chains, create employment opportunities for disadvantaged communities and work more closely with education providers to align training with industry needs.

Public sector organisations are also encouraged to simplify procurement processes and remove barriers preventing smaller businesses from competing for contracts.

Darush said: “As one of the North East's largest construction businesses, social value is central to how we operate. 

“It shapes the way we recruit, develop talent, work with local suppliers, support communities and invest in the places where we work – it’s the difference between who we are and what we do.

“We’ve seen first-hand how meaningful social value can strengthen local economies, create opportunities for individuals and help communities to thrive. 

“This experience is why we were proud to sponsor and help develop this guidance alongside the Chamber and the organisations that contributed to the Social Value Working Group.”

Meanwhile, companies entering the North East are urged to establish local partnerships and ensure their activities reflect regional priorities.

The guide complements the Chamber's Unlocking the North East Economy policy plan, which outlines ambitions to improve productivity, support economic growth and ensure its benefits reach communities across the region.

Chamber officials say the publication represents the first stage in establishing a shared regional approach to social value, with further engagement planned to build on its findings.

Businesses and partner organisations will be invited to contribute to the next phase through follow-up events, helping turn the framework's recommendations into practical, measurable outcomes.

The wider ambition is to ensure investment and commercial activity generate lasting opportunities for people, businesses and communities throughout the North East.

Chris added: “Across the North East, businesses are rethinking what sustainable growth looks like in practice. 

“They’re asking not only how they succeed, but how success contributes to something broader: stronger local economies, more inclusive access to opportunity and lasting impact for the communities they serve.

“Through our social value workshops and Social Value Working Group, we’ve brought together organisations from across the public, private and voluntary sectors to explore what this means in practice. 

“What has emerged is a clear and confident view: social value is not an add-on or a requirement to be met; it’s an integral part of how business is done in the North East.”

You can read the full report here.

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