Agenda item

To consider a report providing a mid-year update on achievement towards the Social Value policy outcomes and priorities for 2022

At the meeting on 23 March 2022, OSMB received the Social Value Annual Report. This set out achievements over the previous year and recommended priorities for the year ahead. In considering the report and making recommendations to Cabinet, OSMB resolved to receive a mid-year report on progress. This report provided details of progress at mid-year.

The Leader introduced the report. He highlighted that in adopting this policy, the expectation was that the value of contracts awarded in line with Social Value principles would increase in Rotherham and the wider sub-region. The Chief Executive outlined that the definition of social value and social responsibilities had been clarified on the website as a result of feedback from this Board.

The Chief Executive put on record her thanks to officers for their support in this initiative. It was noted that whilst this was a technical report, officers were keen to capture the ‘stories’ of the positive impact social value policies can have. For example, developing employment opportunities for young people. It was hoped that by doing illustrating the impact through these stories, it would influence other organisations to participate. 

The impact of the policy was measured through the National Themes, Outcomes and Measures (TOMs) Framework. The Council had selected those measures which will have a positive impact on the economic, social and environmental well-being of the Rotherham community.

The Chief Executive gave a brief overview of progress since the previous report was submitted. This included analysis of local spend, supporting voluntary sector and community groups and the launch of a toolkit to ensure that staff have a good understanding of the social value principles and were able to measure impact. A network has been developed to share learning, intelligence and gaps. Through this work, collaboration with the business sector had taken place.

It was noted that the principles underpinning this project were longer term and the outcomes may take time to be realised. Work was underway to identify opportunities to demonstrate the impact of social value across the thousands of contracts the Council held to get more impact from the money it spent locally.

Prior to opening this item to questions, the Chair put on a record her thanks to the Head of Procurement for her contribution to the recent spotlight review of arrangements to tackle modern slavery.

She invited questions from the Board. In response to a question about engagement of local providers, it was outlined that this was done through various means including market engagement, working through the Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RIDO) and for lower value activities, internet searches. This took place with the Borough and across the South Yorkshire footprint, using local intelligence to raise awareness of contracts to local businesses. It was explained that for contracts under £10,000 at least one quote should be from a Rotherham based supplier.

Clarification was sought on how the social value policy addressed deprivation in wards. It was noted that the Boston Castle ward had seen greater investment because of town centre improvements, however, it was questioned if local residents directly benefited in terms of alleviation of deprivation (for example were engaged as contractors or employed directly as a result of social value initiatives).

The Chief Executive outlined that the Council wanted to use its spending to benefit Rotherham. It was acknowledged that at the moment it was difficult to illustrate these wider benefits in terms of precise number of jobs, skills development or the impact of projects in specific areas. However, through the work being undertaken with businesses, more examples will come through of tangible benefits to show the real impact for the Borough. It was noted that the Council was further ahead in developing this policy compared with many other authorities.

Further details were sought of the number of contractors from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic communities and how a market place can be facilitated with contractors who do not usually engaged with the Council. It was outlined that there market engagement events and contractors were encouraged to contact the procurement team for support.

A request was made for regular progress reports to be submitted about the impact of local projects and how these could benefit the wider economy. An example was given of project that had engaged local sub-contractors and was using locally sourced materials.

Details were sought of the work underway to engage with the local Chamber of Commerce and businesses, parish councils and the use of social media platforms such as LinkedIn. It was confirmed that this was ongoing work, citing examples of recent engagement events and activities, and was addressed in the action plan underpinning the policy.

It was noted that the level of investment had declined in one of the most deprived wards, further details were asked about how this could be improved. It was explained that this was due to a contract ending rather than lower investment. It was asked if details of events could be shared with ward councillors to disseminate to local networks to encourage suppliers to bid.

Resolved:

1.        That the Social Value mid-year report be received.

2.        That briefings on progress of social value linked projects be submitted to ward members on a regular basis.

3.        That consideration be given to raising awareness of the Council’s social value commitments by: 

                           i.         facilitating local networks and information sharing events with small local businesses across the borough including those from under-represented groups;

                          ii.         liaising with Parish Councils to publicise opportunities to local contractors;

                         iii.         using social media platforms such as LinkedIn to widen local business intelligence.