A development’s contribution to its community should extend beyond the building itself. Jobs and apprenticeships are valuable, but so too are stronger community organisations, healthier neighbourhoods and a better environment.

That wider purpose was explored at the Construction Employers Federation’s recent Navigating Social Value event at The Ebrington Hotel. The session examined how businesses can turn procurement commitments into practical benefits for the communities in which they work.

Social value means using public procurement to deliver additional social, economic and environmental benefits. Northern Ireland’s policy covers four themes: employment and skills, ethical and resilient supply chains, climate action, and wellbeing. These provide scope for businesses to contribute in ways that reach beyond recruitment and training.

Depending on the contract and local needs, this could include sharing professional expertise with a charity, supporting a community environmental project, providing equipment to a voluntary organisation or helping improve a shared community space.

The starting point should be understanding what people and organisations actually need. Early conversations with community groups can help businesses identify useful contributions and agree realistic commitments. For developments, that means considering the wider community from the outset and maintaining that engagement throughout delivery.

For businesses preparing tenders, the challenge is translating good intentions into a clear proposal: what will be delivered, who will benefit, which partners will be involved and how progress will be measured. Social value deserves the same planning and accountability as other parts of a contract.

The Strategic Investment Board’s Social Value Partnership Hub offers a practical starting point. Businesses can search for charities, social enterprises and community groups seeking support, browse their projects and advertise what they can offer. Opportunities include staff volunteering, professional expertise, equipment and funding.

For organisations developing procurement proposals, the Hub can help identify potential partners and shape commitments around existing community needs. Any proposed activity should then be checked against the requirements of the individual tender and agreed with the delivery partner.

Preparing a tender? Explore the Social Value Partnership Hub to find community projects and potential partners that can help turn your social value commitments into lasting local benefits.