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The method behind the movement

The National TOMs – Themes, Outcomes and Measures – is a framework for delivering excellence in measuring and reporting social value. 

National TOMs graphic

How it works

The National TOMs Framework started as a solution for the Social Value Act, and has evolved into a social value measurement standard across the UK. Its flexible yet robust structure allows it to be adapted to meet people’s needs. To maximise impact, we’ve developed financial ‘proxy values’ to help organisations measure the value delivered and quantify the wider value created for society.

What does it stand for?

Themes

These are visionary social value areas for an organisation to look at.

Outcomes

These are the positive changes within communities an organisation wants to see.

Measures

These are quantifiable actions that organisations can take to deliver outcomes.

Using the National TOMs

Measure what matters

Experts from the public and private sectors have created a set of social value measures designed to maximise impact in five key areas – jobs, growth, social, environment and innovation.  

Using the National TOMs, you can work methodically through essential KPIs – tried and tested within industry – to measure, track, manage, and improve your social value. You’ll also be able to report on the social impact of your business or by project, 24/7, via our easy-to-use, real-time dashboard system.

Shaped by our community

We continually ask for and include feedback on the National TOMs from hundreds of industry stakeholders, via the National Social Value Taskforce and our engagement surveys.  

To support the social value movement, we continue to develop approaches for new sectors and applications.

We have also created a National TOMs for Wales to support compliance with the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

Proving success

We know that money does not tell the full story about social value. It is ultimately about changing lives for the better. But money talks, and helps organisations understand the full scale of their impact. So we’ve attributed proxy financial values for key social value activities. Now you can quantify in pounds how much social value you’re delivering.

By using a trusted, robust methodology, you’ll measure your impact and make data-driven decisions on social value. It’s the trusted way to systematically deliver social value.

5 Themes, 48 Outcomes

Jobs

Jobs

This Theme supports organisations to promote local skills and employment.

Growth

Growth

This Theme supports the growth of responsible regional business.

Social

Social

Through this Theme, we aim to create healthier, safer and more resilient communities.

Environment

Environment

This Theme is focused on decarbonising and safeguarding our planet.

Innovation

Innovation

This Theme aims to promote social innovation.

The National TOMs you know and love, updated for 2022

We’ve taken on our users’ feedback, assessed the lay of the land in the public and private sector, and updated the National TOMs for 2022 in three key areas:

  • Keeping it simple, with ‘light’ and ‘core’ packages to help you get started, and new learning resources to talk you through their use.
  • Revamped climate measures, including a new greenhouse gas calculator, reflect our users’ desire to reduce their carbon footprint
  • Enhanced day to day social value creation, with new measures and updated terminology to help you assess even more social value
Handing holding garden plant with smiling woman in the background
Handing holding garden plant with smiling woman in the background

Creating value together

Our team of experts is available every step of the way to turn your vision for creating social value into a reality. 

That includes developing a social value strategy, embedding social value into your business and supply chain. Unlike other providers, we’ll also verify your data to ensure integrity and provide you with insights and advice on best practice.

We’ll review performance against agreed milestones and work with you to identify local priorities for social value.

A group of people set around table with laptop, three people are looking at the same laptop and laughing.
A group of people set around table with laptop, three people are looking at the same laptop and laughing.
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Social Value Portal provides a clear mechanism for maximising social value at tender stage and in managing and reporting delivery – historically a weak area in the public sector.

Cardiff Council, Social Value Portal Member
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We are really pleased, that by working with the Social Value Portal, we have been able to summarise and quantify the additional social value that Barclays are offering to us in Bury as a part of their contract with us – it will make a real difference to our community.

Sarah Janusz, Head of Strategic Procurement & Project Planning, Bury Council (part of AGMA)
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We identified the National TOMs as the best-in-class social value measurement tool. The Social Value Portal team supported us through implementation and we are already realising significant benefits across the business.

Duncan Smith, UK Projects, Colas
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Our methodology has enabled us to measure meaningful direct action, and the National TOMs framework creates a mutually reinforcing link between strategy and delivery.

Landsec, Social Value Portal Member

Ready to use the National TOMs?

We’ve got big dreams to expand the social value movement across the globe.  Join us – use the National TOMS to evidence how you’re making a real difference to people’s lives.