The world is becoming more focused on the importance of businesses giving back, and the Social Value movement is one of the latest and most exciting developments in this space.
Social Value is all about the broader benefits - social, environmental, and economic - that organisations can bring to communities through their work. It's no longer just about profit, but how businesses can contribute to society in meaningful ways.
As more companies start to embrace this mindset, we’re seeing job titles like “Social Value Manager” and “Social Impact Officer” appear in various industries. These Social Value jobs reflect a shift in how organisations view their responsibilities and offer exciting opportunities for professionals seeking purpose-driven careers.
In fact, according to a 2024 survey by Purpose Union, over 75% of UK employees express a preference for working at companies that prioritise meaningful contributions to society alongside business goals.
This is still a relatively new field, which means if you’re interested in pursuing a career in Social Value, there’s huge potential - but also some uncertainty about how to get started.
So how do you begin to build a career in Social Value?
Social Value careers: A newly emerging field
While the Social Value movement is still relatively young, it's growing fast. Governments, especially in the UK, have started to push companies to prove how their work positively impacts communities.
The Social Value Act 2012 is a great example from the UK - it mandates public sector organisations to consider Social Value when they’re commissioning services. This has had a big knock-on effect for suppliers to the public sector too.
As more companies get involved, they’re beginning to realise that Social Value is more than a box to tick: it's an integral part of responsible business. That's why we’re seeing the rise of roles like 'Social Value Manager' and other Social Value jobs.
These professionals lead projects that help communities, make companies more sustainable, and create economic opportunities for people who need it most. You’ll find these roles in industries like construction, housing, and public procurement, and they’re even gaining traction in the corporate world.
But because this is still an emerging space, there’s no clear or obvious path into it. Most people working in Social Value today have transitioned from areas like Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), sustainability, or community development. If you’re thinking about moving into this field, chances are you already have a lot of the skills you need - you just need to reframe them for this new environment.
Below is a typical job description for a Social Value Manager position:
Social Value Manager Job Description
Job Summary:
The Social Value Manager is responsible for developing and implementing the company’s Social Value strategy, ensuring compliance with government and industry standards, and leading initiatives that positively impact communities, employees, and stakeholders. This includes identifying opportunities for social impact, fostering partnerships with community organisations, and reporting on Social Value metrics.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategy development and implementation
- Develop and oversee the Social Value strategy, aligning with corporate goals, regulatory requirements, and community needs.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and implement Social Value opportunities across projects.
- Ensure Social Value initiatives align with company objectives and local community priorities.
2. Stakeholder engagement and partnerships
- Build and maintain relationships with local authorities, non-profits, community organisations, and other stakeholders.
- Represent the organisation in community events, government forums, and industry panels to promote Social Value initiatives.
- Engage employees and contractors to participate in Social Value programmes.
3. Project management and coordination
- Integrate Social Value considerations into project planning and delivery phases.
- Work closely with project teams to track and manage Social Value commitments and progress.
- Coordinate volunteer programs, apprenticeship opportunities, and community outreach activities.
4. Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
- Set and track Social Value KPIs to measure success and impact.
- Prepare reports and case studies on Social Value achievements for internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, such as the Social Value Act, and stay updated on policy changes.
5. Training and awareness
- Develop and deliver training for employees on Social Value principles and best practices.
- Raise awareness within the organisation about Social Value objectives and their impact on communities and the company.
Key skills and qualifications
- Project management skills: Proven ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives, ensuring timely and successful delivery.
- Stakeholder engagement: Strong skills in building relationships and working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Analytical skills: Ability to set and measure KPIs, conduct impact assessments, and generate insights from data.
- Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
Desirable qualifications
- Familiarity with Social Value frameworks (e.g., the Social Value TOM™ System).
- Understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
- Proficiency in project management tools and data analysis software.
Core competencies
- Strategic thinking
- Empathy and community awareness
- Adaptability and innovation
- Attention to detail
- Collaborative team player
Your first Social Value job: Getting a foot in the door
If you're looking to move into the Social Value space, here are a few tips to consider:
Transferable skills and relevant experience
Breaking into the Social Value sector is often about rethinking the skills and experience you already have. Since the field is so new, it draws people from all sorts of backgrounds, and your existing skills might be more transferable than you think!
For instance, if you’ve worked in project management, you’ve likely already developed skills in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and evaluation - all of which are highly valuable for Social Value jobs.
Experience in communications, public relations, or even marketing could also be highly relevant, as these roles often involve promoting an organisation’s Social Value contributions and ensuring they align with broader community needs.
The trick lies in learning to speak the language of hiring managers. Pay close attention to the terminology used in job descriptions, and tailor your CV and/or cover letter accordingly. For example, instead of saying you “managed a community project,” frame it as “driving social impact” or “delivering community benefit.” Tailoring application to this language will help you get noticed by hiring managers in the sector.
Make the right connections
Networking is another critical step. Like many emerging fields, the Social Value sector is often driven by relationships and connections. Build your contacts on LinkedIn, attend industry webinars and conferences like the Social Value Conference 2024, and follow key players in the space. The more you put yourself out there, the more you’ll learn about the sector, its language, and its leading figures.
Align your brand to Social Value
A personal brand is crucial for standing out in a crowded and extremely competitive job market, and this applies equally to the Social Value industry. Whether through a blog, social media, or public speaking engagements, building your presence and sharing your thoughts on Social Value can demonstrate your expertise.
The sector is full of passionate, purpose-driven individuals, so showing your authentic commitment to making a difference is key. If people can see that you care, they’ll be much more likely to take notice of you.
The power of persistence
Let’s be real - breaking into any new field can be challenging, and Social Value is no exception.
One of the main challenges is that it’s still evolving, and many organisations are figuring out what Social Value really means for them. This can sometimes make job descriptions feel a bit vague, and you might find that there aren’t as many dedicated roles as you’d like just yet.
But that’s where persistence comes in. The Social Value sector is filled with people who are driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact, and if you have that same drive, it will carry you through the tough moments. If you’re passionate about creating social change, don’t give up when the job hunt feels difficult. Stay connected with your network, keep learning about new developments in the field, and always look for ways to improve your skills.
And likewise, a new opportunity may open within your current business, aligned to the procurement, CSR or community engagement functions. In this case, the key lies in making your transferable skills and passion for social impact known to the hiring manager.
The truth is, opportunities in this space are only going to increase. As more companies realise the importance of Social Value, more Social Value jobs will become available. And if you’ve put in the work to build your personal brand and develop your skills, you’ll be ready to jump on those opportunities when they arise.
As our 'Building a Career in Social Value' panel put it at the Social Value Conference 2024, “more passion, more energy!”
Social Value is everybody’s job
Right now, most Social Value roles are standalone positions. In other words, companies create specific jobs that are dedicated solely to managing their Social Value initiatives.
But as the field matures, this could change. Eventually, Social Value could become so ingrained in how companies operate that it no longer requires a dedicated person or team to manage it. Instead, it will become part of everyday business practices.
In the future, we might see Social Value responsibilities spread across different departments - from HR to marketing to procurement. It could become as routine as thinking about sustainability or corporate responsibility. This will open up even more opportunities for professionals who want to help shape this shift and make sure Social Value is at the heart of everything a business does.
For now, though, the dedicated roles are key, and they offer an exciting opportunity to be part of something that’s only going to grow. Those who get involved in Social Value roles today will likely be the leaders who shape how organisations integrate Social Value into their everyday operations in the future.
"More passion, more energy...!”
Building a career in Social Value is an exciting journey, full of purpose and potential. While it’s still a developing field, this only adds to the opportunity for those who are passionate about making a difference.
By understanding your transferable skills, learning the right language, and networking like crazy, you can carve out your own path in this space. Persistence is key - if you have the passion and energy, the Social Value sector is a space where you can have a hand in shaping a more equitable, sustainable, and socially responsible world.
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