Jacobs Supports Launch of The Social Value 2032 Roadmap

Jacobs is proud to support Social Enterprise U.K. (SEUK) 's Social Value 2032 Program, which was set up last year to mark the tenth anniversary of the U.K.'s Public Services (Social Value) Act.

The Social Value Act places an obligation on public bodies to consider how the services they commission and procure might improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of the areas they operate in. The Act has helped transform the procurement landscape, changing not just how the public sector operates but also the way many private businesses procure services.

Social value has grown increasingly important with the need for greater focus on working collaboratively to drive positive, lasting impacts – for people, communities and the environment. Social value is about understanding the relative importance of changes that people experience and using those insights to make better decisions – so we focus on how we make society better for individuals and create better social, environmental and economic outcomes.

At Jacobs, social value and impact measurement are embedded in PlanBeyond℠, our sustainable business approach, so that we focus on integrating evidence-based social value and equity considerations and innovations into the solutions we deliver for our clients. As a purpose-led company, we know we have a pivotal role to play in creating a fairer society and work with a range of clients like the Thames Tideway program to help them deliver social value.

In the U.K. for example, while significant progress has been made, the social value system is complex and fragile, with more work needed to drive real and lasting change. SEUK’s Social Value 2032 Program has ambitious goals to make social value cover all public sector procurement, and influence the spending of the U.K.’s largest companies – but how do we get there?

On June 27, SEUK published the Social Value 2032 Roadmap, laying out a plan of action to unlock the true potential of this innovative movement.

From creating a consistent legal and regulatory framework and developing common measuring standards, to strengthening supply chains and changing workplace cultures, this exciting new publication details short and long-term proposals to transform the social value system.

“We are proud to help launch the Social Value 2032 Roadmap, a collaborative response to ensure social value remains a priority in value led procurement for the next 10 years,” says Jacobs Social Value Lead Michelle Levi.

“As we map out the next 10 years, the goal of embedding social value into all procurement by 2032 looms large. This ambitious objective demonstrates our commitment to creating a world where social, environmental, and economic considerations are intricately interwoven.

“The journey to achieve this vision will undoubtedly present challenges, but I firmly believe that by working together, we can overcome them. Collaboration between businesses, governments and civil society will be key. By doing so, we can push the boundaries of what is possible and inspire a new era of responsible and inclusive procurement,” adds Michelle.

Click here to read the Roadmap.

The Social Value 2032 Program is led by SEUK in partnership with Jacobs, PwC, Siemens, Shaw Trust and SUEZ recycling and recovery U.K.

From creating a consistent legal and regulatory framework and developing common measuring standards, to strengthening supply chains and changing workplace cultures, the Roadmap sets out short- and long-term proposals to embed social value into the way organizations spend their money.

Simetrica-Jacobs

At Jacobs, we also work closely with our Simetrica-Jacobs business. As global leaders in social value, Simetrica-Jacobs pioneers wellbeing research and impact evaluation to help organizations measure what matters most – the value that their work brings to people and communities. Combining technical knowledge and market intelligence, Simetrica-Jacobs helps businesses understand how to best conceptualize, measure and leverage their impact to drive better decision-making, not only maximizing their impact for individuals and communities, but also improving their business outcomes. Simetrica-Jacobs has authored guidance for the U.K. and for several other Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) governments to help international organizations make better policy and investment decisions.

Listen now: Building a social value culture

Jacobs Social Impact Lead for Europe Michelle Levi recently joined The Social Value Podcast, hosted by Social Enterprise U.K., to discuss the importance of building an organizational culture that supports and champions social value, Jacobs’ ambitions for social value, and the power of local teams.