Social Enterprise UK welcomes Cabinet Office steps to support Social Value Act

The Cabinet Office has launched the Social Value Awards and is funding a £30,000 programme to help commissioners of public services improve how they measure social, economic and environmental impact as part of the Social Value Act.

Responding to the announcement Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK, Peter Holbrook CBE, today said: “Legislation can take years to be fully embedded on the ground and we welcome these steps taken by Government to drive forward the implementation of the Public Services (Social Value) Act. The Social Value Awards will showcase the pioneers and early adopters of Act.

“But we must not rest on our laurels – the full potential of Social Value Act is yet to be realised. It is vital to communicate to commissioners and to prove through growing evidence and good practice the positive difference that the Act is already making in some communities in England and Wales.

“We need to arrive at a place where public sector commissioners who are not using the Act are thought to be missing a trick for their communities.

“The social enterprise movement is thankful to Chris White MP for his continued work behind the scenes to strengthen the Act.”

Social Value Summit Tickets for the Social Value Summit on 11 February 2015 go on sale next week. Visit www.socialenterprise.org.uk for more information.