Standing out from the crowd: How tech providers can better compete on social value
Guest blog by Richard Dickins, MD at Social Value Business #techUKSocialValueWeek
Richard Dickins
MD , Social Value Business
Society’s understanding of social value has advanced dramatically in a few years. The base was initially set low; showing a cursory understanding of the concept, together with well-intentioned tactical activity like volunteering or tree planting it was sometimes sufficient to get a foot in the door with local councils.
Several years of reforms to procurement legislation, notably the Social Value Act 2021, have changed that. As local authorities have become more knowledgeable and demanding about the potential for social value, so too, suppliers have needed to offer more sophisticated and informed tender responses.
All of this is a good thing. The benchmark level of understanding has increased, leading to greater likelihood of genuine impact for local communities. But in this more sophisticated procurement landscape, how can digital and technology companies set themselves apart?
Add sophistication to tenders by applying ‘layers of value’
At Social Value Business, we are increasingly working with clients to consider and articulate their commitments in terms of ‘layers of value’. We apply three lenses to bring structure, clarity and innovation to tender responses. Let’s look at some example ‘layers’ in practice.
1. Value created through ‘business as usual’
This includes the social value activity already being delivered as standard by an organisation. It includes, for example, the creation of apprenticeships, development of your employees and investment in their health and wellbeing. It’s about how you create pathways into digital careers and reduce the skills gap. And it also includes your existing sustainability programmes – from sustainable data centre operations to responsibly sourced hardware. It includes your existing community partnerships, too – your chosen charities, volunteering schemes and educational outreach.
2. Value that’s contractually required
This second category relates to specific requirements that are mandated within a tender or framework notice. It’s about commitments made ‘over and above’ your standard activities. Typically, this might include additional apprenticeships, jobs created, work experience hours or a requirement to place a proportion of spend within the local catchment. It might require new partnerships to be forged specific to the contract, or carry targets for biodiversity net gain, for example.
3. Value delivered through special projects
We believe this third ‘lens’ is where organisations can truly demonstrate innovation. Often it’s the element of a tender notice that’s left open to interpretation… perhaps under the banner of ‘additional community benefits’. Don’t be fooled; although often vague, this represents a critical opportunity for tech providers to differentiate themselves. Consider Microsoft’sAI for Good programme, tackling global issues such as climate change. Or IBM’sSkillsBuild, offering free online learning resources to individuals. Smaller scale examples might include programmes to tackle digital exclusion at a community level. Or (within healthcare) the introduction of Blue Box health monitoring, empowering carers with the tech capability to check on a patient’s condition. This third layer requires a thorough understanding of the social need, the objectives of the tender and a creative approach to collaboration, to devise something truly impactful.
4. Leverage your core skills and operations
Digital and tech providers have unique, well-defined and sought-after skills, both at a company level and as a workforce of individuals. Technology dominates every facet of how we live, work and socialise, with 80%+ of customer interactions taking place digitally. So when thinking about social value across the layers, it makes sense to start with tech as a force for good, the application of your skills, resources and operations to some of society’s biggest challenges. Technology has a central role in delivering the UK’s Net Zero commitments, connecting communities, facilitating opportunity and in reducing isolation.
Conduct meaningful 360-degree engagement
Under the new Procurement Act, there is a greater focus on demonstrating engagement to show that social value initiatives are genuinely wanted and meaningful. Many organisations fall down on proper stakeholder engagement and research. When devising your social value approach, consult with employees, customers, service users, and community partners – including charities, local councils, community safety officers, faith groups and social enterprises. Take time to build a thorough understanding of issues and where you can contribute. Cross reference with resources such as regional place-making strategies and the Indices of Deprivation.
Adopt national standards
Accreditations such as the Social Value Quality Mark® provide independent assurance and verification of your social value. This isn’t just about validating metrics, but extends to your culture, behaviours, processes and delivery. The SVQM is recognised by an increasing number of local authorities. In a competitive environment, it tells commissioners that your organisation is committed to business that benefits society.
Measure what matters
Finally, technology providers can differentiate themselves by prioritising meaningful outcomes, backed up by legitimate measurement. Consider, for example, how many of your apprentices will move into sustainable employment. Or, in the context of a digital inclusion programme, what difference it’s making to people in terms of increased independence and wellbeing? MeasureUp is a free, accessible toolthat supportsmeasurement of quality of life. It’s a great resource for any organisation looking to calculate the true difference they make.
By taking a more thoughtful, structured approach to social value creation, backed up by robust engagement and measurement, tech companies can stand out from the crowd and better compete for business.
techUK's Central Government Campaign Week 2025 – Social Value Week
techUK is pleased to announce our second Central Government Campaign Week, running from 22-25 April 2025.
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Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government.
Prior to joining techUK in April 2022, Heather worked in the Economic Policy and Small States Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat. She led the organisation’s FinTech programme and worked to create an enabling environment for developing countries to take advantage of the socio-economic benefits of FinTech.
Before moving to the UK, Heather worked at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Central Bank of The Bahamas.
Heather holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from LSE, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College.
Ellie joined techUK in March 2018 as a Programme Assistant to the Public Sector team and now works as a Programme Manager for the Central Government Programme.
The programme represents the supplier community of technology products and services in Central Government – in summary working to make Government a more informed buyer, increasing supplier visibility in order to improve their chances of supplying to Government Departments, and fostering better engagement between the public sector and industry. To find out more about what we do, how we do this and how you can get involved – make sure to get in touch!
Prior to joining techUK, Ellie completed Sixth Form in June 2015 and went on to work in Waitrose, moved on swiftly to walking dogs and finally, got an office job working for a small local business in North London, where she lives with her family and their two Bengal cats Kai and Nova.
When she isn’t working Ellie likes to spend time with her family and friends, her cats, and enjoys volunteering for diabetes charities. She has a keen interest in writing, escaping with a good book and expanding her knowledge watching far too many quiz shows!
Yaroslava, a Junior Programme Manager at techUK's Central Government Programme, blends a decade of international and local Marketing and Business Development expertise with insights from Public Policy gained within a London economic consultancy.
This combination, coupled with her fluency in five languages and linguistic university background, enables her to drive impactful collaborations between the technology supplier community and the UK government, bringing a nuanced global perspective to engagement.
Outside of work, she is an exhibiting artist and leads Art for Wellbeing initiatives, reflecting her commitment to making a tangible difference, particularly through humanitarian aid for Ukraine, where she is from.
Junior Programme Manager - Central Government, techUK
Charles Bauman
Junior Programme Manager - Central Government, techUK
Charles Bauman is a Junior Programme Manager in the Central Government Programme at techUK.
He supports the programme’s mission to represent the technology supplier community to the UK government and advocate for digital innovation to address public sector challenges. Charles helps facilitate market engagement, foster partnerships, and ensure that tech suppliers and the government work collaboratively to improve outcomes, deliver value for money, and enhance public services for citizens.
Before joining techUK, Charles gained significant experience in research, analysis, and strategic advisory roles. At H/Advisors Cicero, he specialised in public affairs and corporate communications, while at Verdantix, he supported sustainability research and advisory projects, focusing on regulatory and environmental challenges.
Charles holds an MSc in Theory and History of International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and an MA in Medieval History from King’s College London.
Charles enjoys volunteering with a think tank, reading, hiking, and spending time with his dog and family outside of work.
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy Modha
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
techUK's Social Value Week was a testament that technology is already a transformative force in its own right—reshaping how we live, work, and connect. Layering social value onto that inherent power doesn’t replace it; it amplifies it, unlocking an additional dimension of positive impact for communities and society.