Social Value at Dover Town Council

What is Social Value?

Social value is about creating extra benefits for the community whenever the Council spends money. It’s not just about buying goods or services—it’s about making sure those purchases help people, places, and the planet.

For example, when we award a contract, we look at how it can:
– Support local jobs and apprenticeships
– Help small and local businesses grow
– Protect the environment
– Improve health and wellbeing
– Strengthen our communities

Our Commitment

From October 2025, we will be following new national rules that make social value a mandatory part of public contracts. This means that at least 10% of the marks in a tender will be based on how suppliers deliver social value.

We will:
– Use the UK Government’s Social Value Model to assess suppliers
– Ask all relevant suppliers to clearly explain how they will deliver social value
– Monitor what they promise to make sure it really happens

What We’re Looking For

Depending on the project, we may ask suppliers to contribute to things like:
– Creating local job or training opportunities
– Reducing carbon emissions or using sustainable materials
– Supporting community groups or charities
– Promoting fairness, equality, and inclusion
– Improving wellbeing through safer, healthier services

We focus on what matters most to Dover’s people and places.

Opportunities for Local Businesses and Charities

We encourage local:
– Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs)
– Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs)
– Suppliers with strong community links

If you’re bidding for a contract, we’ll explain how to include social value in your proposal. We want to help you succeed and deliver real benefits for the town.

Want to Know More?

If you’re a supplier, community organisation, or resident with questions about social value at Dover Town Council, please get in touch.

📧 Email: council@dovertowncouncil.gov.uk
📞 Phone: 01304 242625

Or visit the UK Government’s official Social Value Model guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-0620-taking-account-of-social-value-in-the-award-of-central-government-contracts