The Committee received and noted a report that highlighted the approach, methodology and evidence gathered during the challenge session and subsequent review which were then used as the basis for developing the recommendations from the Social Value Act challenge session. The session formed part of the annual work programme for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2016/17.

The challenge session provided an opportunity to review the opportunities that the Social Value Act offers for the communities of Tower Hamlets.  The review built upon the excellent work carried out by the Council as an early adopter in introducing social value clauses into major contracts which has delivered significant economic and community benefits to date.

However, the Council now needs to further develop its approach to social value and work on a more joined up approach to the management , measurement and monitoring of the social value element of contracts .  In addition the challenge session has identified the need to clearly evaluate the impact of the social value requirements for the communities of Tower Hamlets through some form of social impact assessment tool.  In addition, it was accepted that it is important to communicate effectively with potential providers and the local communities demonstrating the benefits and impact of social value.

The questions and comments from Members on the presentation are outlined as follows:

The Committee noted:

·         That the challenge session was held on 9 March 2017 and had reviewed the existing procurement and commissioning approach to social value;

·         The assessment of the monitoring, measurement and review of social value clauses and requirements in contracts;

·         That the session had reviewed of the approach to assessing social value impact;

·         That the session had recommended that the Council should develop a Social Value Policy including associated social value priorities and carry out a review of synergies and linkages with other complementary Council policies and strategies;

·         That it was recommended that the Council should develop an approach to monitoring and measuring the social value outputs and deliverables; which could be through a standard framework, flexible to needs and nature of each contract;

·         As a result of the challenge session it had been recommended that there should be an examination of the options to develop a social value impact and outcomes assessment tool, to determine the impact of social value activity and gauge its contribution to the Mayoral priorities;

·         There should be a determined approach to cross organisation working to ensure that there is collective ownership of social value throughout the commissioning and procurement cycle; and

·         A Social Value Communication and Engagement Plan should be developed so as to ensure that providers and communities are aware of the opportunities and impact of social value delivery in Tower Hamlets.

As a result of a full and wide ranging discussion on the above the Chair Moved and it was:-

RESOLVED to