Independent Social Value Audit, Assurance & Improvement

Social Value Delivery Solution (SVDS) supports councils and trusts by independently auditing and verifying social value delivery, ensuring commitments have been properly delivered, measured, and reported. Where gaps are identified, we provide practical support to address issues, strengthen compliance, and improve future social value outcomes.

For Councils, NHS Trusts & Public Sector Organisations

Delivering social value is no longer optional — but proving it has been properly delivered, measured, and reported is where many organisations and their suppliers fall short.

Social Value Delivery Solution (SVDS) works with councils, trusts, and public sector bodies to audit, verify, and strengthen social value delivery across contracts, programmes, and supply chains — ensuring commitments translate into real, evidenced impact.

How SVDS Works With Councils & Trusts

SVDS acts as an independent partner, providing assurance that social value obligations are being met — not just promised.

We work across three key stages:

1. Social Value Audit & Review

We carry out a structured audit of social value activity at both organisational and supplier level, reviewing:

  • Social value commitments made at procurement or commissioning stage

  • Delivery plans and implementation evidence

  • Measurement methodologies and KPIs

  • Data collection and record keeping

  • Reporting quality and compliance with recognised frameworks

  • Alignment with local priorities and policy objectives

This applies to:

  • Internal council or trust programmes

  • Contractors and suppliers

  • Framework agreements

  • Grant-funded organisations

2. Verification, Measurement & Reporting Assurance

SVDS verifies whether social value has been:

  • Delivered – tangible actions and outcomes, not intentions

  • Measured – using appropriate, consistent methodologies

  • Reported – accurately, transparently, and proportionately

We assess:

  • Accuracy of reported figures

  • Credibility of claimed outcomes

  • Risk of overstatement or “social value washing”

  • Gaps between commitment and delivery

Our findings provide councils and trusts with clear, defensible assurance for internal governance, audits, and external scrutiny.

Millions in unpaid Social Value contracts

Delivering social value on your behalf

What If Social Value Hasn’t Been Delivered Properly?

This is where SVDS adds real value.

When gaps, underperformance, or non-compliance are identified, we don’t just flag issues — we support corrective action.

SVDS Can:

  • Identify where and why delivery has fallen short

  • Assess whether issues are structural, contractual, or operational

  • Support remedial action plans for suppliers or partners

  • Recommend proportionate responses aligned to contract terms

  • Help organisations reset targets or measurement approaches

  • Provide guidance to prevent repeat failures

Our approach is pragmatic, fair, and improvement-focused — protecting public value while maintaining constructive supplier relationships.

Supporting Stronger Social Value Going Forward

Beyond audit and assurance, SVDS helps councils and trusts strengthen future delivery by:

  • Improving social value clauses and KPIs

  • Aligning social value requirements with local priorities

  • Supporting consistent measurement frameworks

  • Building supplier capability and understanding

  • Reducing risk at procurement and delivery stages

This ensures social value is embedded, not bolted on.

Back To Top