Your Social Value, in one place

Your Social Value, amplified

Your Social Value, managed

Your Social Value, quantified

Explore more...
Discovery-session-lock-up-New-colours---Woman-2---tansparent
Book a 30min discovery session with
a Social Value specialist.



Call us on 020 3747 6555
or book online.

About Social Value Portal

Our private and public members

Presented by Social Value Portal

Meet our team of specialists

Meet our key delivery partners

Explore more...
SV£ (R)
100bn
Our commitment
to delivering Social Value

Designed for every step of your Social Value journey

Deliver impact to your community

Win more bids with Social Value

Maximise actions and prove your impact

15-17 OCT
Conference 24 logo white
Social Value in Action.
Don't miss out.

Social Value Portal

Creating Social Value in the energy sector with NEPO and EDF

Learn how NEPO applied Social Value frameworks to the energy sector and worked with EDF to make a real difference in the North East.

images

The energy market has changed at a rapid pace in recent years, with wholesale gas and power markets volatile and prices hitting historic highs.

This backdrop of surging energy prices made Social Value even more important to the NEPO Energy Team, which procures energy contracts on behalf of local authorities and other public sector organisations.

Here we reveal how NEPO created Social Value for the North East through a key energy contract.  

Social Value in the energy market

NEPO carried out a project which resulted in the award of a contract to EDF Energy to supply the Electricity Supply and Demand Framework Agreement, used by 23 public sector organisations and valued at around £220 million.

The two major objectives of this procurement were:

  • Developing a relationship with a supplier that would provide a sound basis for managing and reducing energy usage
  • Delivering Social Value for the North East

Measuring impact with the Social Value TOM System™ 

It has historically been difficult to embed Social Value into large energy procurements. NEPO helped the sector turn a corner in this respect by utilising the Local Government Association-endorsed Social Value TOM System™.

Since much of the energy market was unfamiliar with the TOM System, NEPO held extra engagement sessions to clarify its desired objectives. Suppliers were also encouraged to attend free training provided by the NEPO Business Club, with sessions focused on the principles of the TOM System, as well as methods of creating Social Value within a business.

The project saw months of engagement upfront to establish Measures meaningful to NEPO and its customers. This also facilitated the development of the specification and requirements, covering all supplier services from core operational requirements through to strategic ambitions, including Social Value.

What were the results?  

In addition to monetary savings, a robust SLA, and ambitious energy efficiency measures, the awarding of the contract has resulted in several far-reaching commitments to deliver real Social Value within the North East.

These commitments are also measurable against the TOM System, ensuring that the benefits delivered via the contract are tangible and meaningful.

This project has so far achieved £70,000 of committed Social Value.

From education to decarbonisation  

As a result of NEPO’s work, EDF developed classroom ready educational content focused on STEM subjects for primary and secondary schools. Topics included:

  • Electricity generation types
  • Associated carbon factors
  • Net Zero and the benefits of renewables

NEPO and EDF worked closely with an individual trust of around 50 schools, helping to ‘teach the teacher’ on the content, and supporting the implementation of lesson plans into the curriculum. NEPO also delivered virtual sessions on net zero, how to report on it, and ways to achieve low carbon objectives.

Within NEPO’s framework agreement, EDF committed to financially invest in decarbonisation for the customer base - these funds enabled the installation of two new Solar PV arrays in two large schools in Durham. In addition to helping the schools save money, generate zero carbon power, and reduce their reliance on the grid, the installations will serve as a focal point for engagement and learning.

Work has also taken place with the North East's voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, which represents more than 1,600 organisations across the region. NEPO has now become a supporting member of VONNE (Voluntary Organisations Network North East), which assists them in strengthening the region’s VCSEs.

SVP logo 1

About Social Value Portal

Since 2017 Social Value Portal has been at the forefront of the Social Value movement. As creators of the endorsed Social Value TOM SystemTM, hosts of the annual Social Value Conference and founding members of the independent National Social Value Taskforce – they set industry standards and lead the business agenda.

Their unique mix of consultancy, cloud platform and programmes offer organisations the complete solution to accurately measure, manage and report Social Value – and create lasting impact.

In 2022, SVP achieved B Corp status, scoring above average in all assessed. The company’s aim is to promote better business and community wellbeing through the integration of Social Value into day-to-day business activity across all sectors.

Book a discovery call

Ready to make your Social Value count?

Book a 30-minute session with a Social Value specialist today.