Value: £2.5 million
Commenced: February 2024
What is social value
Social value is about the positive impact that actions or projects have on people and communities.
This can include:
- creating jobs – and helping local businesses
- improving quality of life by making communities safer and happier
- protecting the environment by promoting green practices
Our priorities for Leeds
Leeds is the second largest metropolitan district in England with a population of over 800,000 and is a major business centre in the UK with a variety of service and industrial sectors.
Leeds City Council has around 14,000 employees and has a responsibility to deliver social value as an employer. This means treating people fairly, providing opportunities for training and development and looking after staff health and wellbeing.
Read about our benefits to employees on the Leeds Jobs website.
Our main social value priorities are centred around the 4 ambitions for Leeds which are:
- Healthy: Health and wellbeing
- Growing: Inclusive growth
- Thriving: Strong communities
- Resilient: Sustainable city
Benefits
The main benefits of social value can be defined as economic, environmental and social. These three areas help to comprehensively assess the impact of actions, projects, or organisations on society.
Economic
Contributions to local economies, job creation, and economic growth.
Job creation:
Generating employment opportunities and supporting local economies.
Economic growth:
Contributing to the overall economic development of a region.
Financial support:
Providing financial resources to community projects and initiatives.
Environmental
Efforts to reduce carbon footprints, promote sustainability, and protect natural resources.
Sustainability:
Implementing practices that reduce environmental footprint and promote sustainability.
Resource management:
Efficient use of resources to minimise waste and conserve natural assets.
Environmental protection:
Protecting natural habitats and biodiversity.
Social
Enhancing community wellbeing, improving health and education, and fostering social inclusion.
Community wellbeing:
Enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities.
Social inclusion:
Promoting equality and inclusivity, ensuring that marginalised groups are supported.
Health and education:
Improving access to healthcare and educational opportunities.
Information for businesses and bidders
Partnerships
We have a strong collaboration with other public sector organisations via the Leeds Inclusive Anchors Network and regional procurement group, the voluntary, community and faith sector and local businesses allows us to boost social value.
Leeds City Council has signed up to the Social Value Charter which means that we will work together with private, public, and third sector partners along with communities, to achieve mutual benefits and enhance the city's wellbeing.
Examples and case studies
Examples of how some of Leeds City Council’s contracts have supported social value and the fantastic outcomes they have delivered:
Case study 1 - Sayes Service Ltd.
Replacing heat interface units for over 500 council properties
Contract overview
Sayes Service Ltd. secured a contract with Leeds City Council in February 2024 for the replacement of Heat Interface Units (HIUs) and hot water stores at Saxton Gardens and Cottingley Heights and Towers.
The project aimed to upgrade heating systems in 542 flats. The goal was to replace ageing and inefficient HIUs and hot water cylinders with modern alternatives capable of providing instantaneous hot water to residents.
Many existing units were over 20 years old, frequently malfunctioning or completely failing, leaving tenants without heating or hot water. This upgrade was essential to ensure a reliable and efficient supply for all residents.
Achievements
- Household Bill Reduction = 10%
- Spent in Local Chain = 811,770
- Reduced Co2e by 315 t
Community and employment development impact
Local job creation:
Hired one new fulltime apprentice.
Student opportunities:
Provided hands-on experience to four Leeds College of Building students.
Career progression:
Transitioned a standout student into a full-time Level 3 apprenticeship at Sayes Service Ltd.
Work in the community
The Safety Maintenance Company (Sayes Services Ltd.’s appointed Health and Safety specialists) successfully delivered a Health and Safety presentation to Level 1 Plumbing students at Leeds College.
Case study 2 - Jointline
Yorkshire Highway Alliance Road Markings Framework 2022-24
Value: £1 million per annum
Commenced: December 2022
Contract overview
Leeds City Council awarded Jointline the Yorkshire Highway Alliance Road Markings Framework contract, which includes the general refurbishment of road markings, road studs, and high skid-resistant surfacing. The procurement lead for the contract was James Balmforth.
The contract was scheduled to run for an initial 2 years from 19 December 2022 until 18 December 2024, with an extension available for two years until 18 December 2026.
The contract value, excluding the extension period was £1 million per annum.
Achievements
- Spent in the local economy = £120,533
- Donated to the Woodland Trust to support the Scarcroft Plantation in Leeds = £1,000
- Donated toward environmental projects = £2,000
- Staff volunteering hours = 32
Key metrics
Whilst there was an initial commitment equating to £85,986 the project has achieved an outstanding result of £227,873, surpassing expectations by a significant margin. Jointline has committed to further social value during the extension period.
Social value delivery equivalent upto 165%
Supplier view and plan
In delivering social value initiatives as part of the Yorkshire Highway Alliance Road Markings Framework, the contractor emphasised a strategic and community-focused approach. Their efforts were guided by the TOMS (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) framework to identify and deliver meaningful initiatives tailored to the needs of communities in Leeds.
According to the contractor, collaboration played a pivotal role in developing proposals. They consulted with local community groups to align initiatives with the unique challenges and priorities of the region. This included focusing on local employment opportunities, skills development, and sustainability measures. By addressing these factors, the contractor ensured that their initiatives created immediate value while fostering long-term positive change for the community within Leeds City Council and the wider Leeds area.
Social, economic, and environmental impact
- Overall the project achieved a margin of £141,887, surpassing the amount they committed to for Leeds.
- Contributed to conservation projects through financial support and hands-on efforts, showcasing a commitment to protecting Leeds’ natural environment.
- Enhancing Community Spaces: Improved the Mencap site in collaboration with Hyde Park Source, making it accessible and welcoming, particularly for children with learning disabilities.
Voluntary work in the community
Jointline employees volunteered at the Mencap site in Leeds, working with Hyde Park Source to enhance the community space by cutting back shrubs, tidying gardens, and refreshing the car park. Using hand tools to ensure a comfortable environment for visitors, including children with learning disabilities, the team received positive feedback for their outstanding efforts.
This initiative reflects Jointline's commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community.
Your guys were fab. Mencap was really chuffed with the job and got a lot done!”
- Trills Keng Hyde Park Source Outdoor Education and Volunteer Coordinator
Contact us
Get in touch for more information or advice about social value in Leeds.
