The Social Value Portal
The Social Value Portal works across both the public and private sectors and is focused on embedding the delivery social value into everyday business practices.
Further information about the social Value portal can be found at: https://socialvalueportal.com/
The Council is committed to a performance and evidence-based approach to Social Value and has partnered with the Social Value Portal (SVP) to assist in the delivery of this. Based on the National TOMs (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) developed by the Social Value Portal, organisations are required to propose credible commitments against which performance for the contract will be monitored.
Please see the link below which explains how the Social Value Portal measure social value: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGo7gMitCDQ.
The TOMs have been developed to reflect the specific needs of the Council and bidders will be given access to them after registering on the Social Value Portal. For all procurements above £100,000. Social Value represents 20% of the overall score and bidders are required to submit a combination of quantitative and qualitative responses supported with a delivery plan or milestone tracker subject to the value of the procurement. enough providers in existence for a competitive procurement.
| Criteria | Social Value Sub-Weighting |
|---|---|
| Social Value Quantitative offer | 50% |
Social Value Qualitative offer including
|
50% |
| Total Social Value | 100% |
QA
Q What services does the Social Value Portal provide to the supplier/provider?
A The Social Value Portal will provide the following services to the supplier/provider:
- Online account with Social Value Portal to allow contract management and project reporting account
- Technical support with data entry (e.g., access and functionality issues)
- Confirmation of evidence required to satisfy requirements
- Quarterly reports showing progress against targets/commitments
- End of project summary report and case study
Q What services does the Social Value Portal provide to the Council?
A
- Advice and guidance
- Annual Reports
- Completion of evaluations
- Contract Management Support
- Access to the Social Value Portal to provide oversight of performance and commitments versus deliverables
Q For procurements the weighting of 20% is higher than some other Local Authorities Social Value weightings and this may unbalance the Quality and Commercial evaluation. Can we fix the price to achieve a 20/80 split (Social Value/Quality) to get around this issue?
A This would need to be considered on a project by project basis as part of the Procurement Business Case when deciding the evaluation criteria.
Q What is relevant and proportionate?
A This depends on the subject matter of the tender/contract. What is clear is that it is not permissible to take a blanket approach to social value by asking contractors to provide something that is wholly unconnected with the service.
Examples of what will be permissible are as follows:
- Environmental: Requiring only low emission vehicles in a transport contract
- Economic: Creation of employment opportunities for the long-term unemployed or training and apprenticeships for young people in a construction contract in a deprived area
- Social: Encouraging the use of SMEs particularly those based in Rotherham as part of the supply chain
Q Can I specify that I want my contractor to use only local labour?
A No, as this may potentially discriminate, the public procurement market must be open and competitive and ensure that suppliers are treated equally, fairly and transparently. What we are able to do however, is (where appropriate to the contract) invite potential providers to specify how they may help to regenerate a community and make a commitment to reducing worklessness (Long term unemployment).
Q Can I specify my tenderers must pay the Living Wage Foundation Real Living Wage?
A Rotherham Council is an accredited employer with the Living Wage Foundation and committed to paying the Living Wage (or London Living Wage where applicable).as a minimum for services including those provided by third party suppliers and subcontractors. For in-scope procurements suppliers must be prepared to demonstrate that they will pay the Living Wage Real to any employees and subcontractors engaged in providing services to the Council under the specific guidance provided to bidders as part of the tender instructions. As part of the development of the Procurement Business Case an assessment must be completed to determine whether the proposed procurement falls within scope of the Real Living Wage.
The criteria for being in-scope for the Real Living Wage is as follows:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Are either contracted or sub-contracted by you
- Provide a service to or on behalf of Rotherham Council involving 2 or more hours of work a week, for 8 or more consecutive weeks in a year on:
- Rotherham Council’s premises; and/or
- Property owned or occupied by the Council (including where Rotherham Council is a tenant and is provided building related services through a Lease); and/or
- Land which Rotherham Council is responsible for maintaining or on which it is required to work
Where a procurement does not fall in-scope for the Real Living Wage it may be appropriate and ethically responsible for the Council to specify that suppliers must pay those involved in the delivery of the contract the Real Living Wage. This must be considered from an affordability perspective to ensure the relevant budget arrangements will allow this opportunity. This element is recognised as standalone from the accreditation and goes one step beyond what is expected of the Council.
Q How much weight should I attach to Social Value?
A A one size fits all approach is not permissible. Every contract has to be looked at on its merits. The Council stipulates 20% of the overall value will usually be permissible. The key is to consider the outcomes that may be achieved and the contribution it makes to strategic objectives.
Q What if a supplier does not fulfil their commitments?
A The supplier will be supported to deliver against the commitments proposed or make suitable adjustments where they are struggling to fulfil commitments. The aim is to maximise opportunities to deliver social value. A clause is prescribed within all contracts permitting the contract manager to seek recovery of costs for under performance at their discretion.