A new guide by Jacobs and the Major Projects Association (MPA) is set to enhance infrastructure projects by embedding social value.
- Social value is essential for public infrastructure projects, aiming to promote social, economic, and environmental well-being.
- Industry feedback highlights a need for clear guidelines to navigate and implement social value effectively.
- Case studies from major projects illustrate the tangible benefits of prioritising social value during project delivery.
- The upcoming Procurement Act 2023 is expected to influence future social value initiatives in public contracts.
Jacobs, in collaboration with the Major Projects Association (MPA), has developed a comprehensive guide aimed at incorporating social value into major infrastructure projects, highlighting its importance in today’s public contracts. Social value mandates developers and contractors to foster economic, social, and environmental well-being within communities, leveraging methods like apprenticeships, development of public spaces, and climate initiatives. Despite the legislative anchor of the Social Value Act of 2012, stakeholders have expressed concerns over the inadequate guidance for conceptualising and quantifying social value in projects. The delayed implementation of the Procurement Act 2023, now postponed to 2025, is anticipated to bridge this gap by offering enhanced support for such initiatives.
The guide, titled ‘Purpose-driven Delivery,’ seeks to offer insights through varied case studies, including significant projects like Tideway and the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which notably generated community benefits. Senior social value manager Kelly Bradley, instrumental in drafting the report, highlighted the perspectives of various organisations across the infrastructure supply chain. Notably, three-quarters of those surveyed recognised social value as critical to their operational success, with many seeing it as a pivotal component providing a compelling narrative for investment justification.
A prevailing theme in the report is the potential pitfalls of perceiving social value as a perfunctory obligation, which can lead to cost inflation and inconsistent project outcomes. The guide urges a shift from superficial to substantive social value efforts. Significant community enhancements were observed in projects like Tideway, which broadened its impact by fostering employment and improving public spaces, positioning itself as a conduit for reconnecting London with its iconic River Thames.
Furthermore, the report underscores the impressive £4 billion social value generated by the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which encompasses carbon savings and educational investments, framing a strong argument for integrated social value strategies in infrastructure projects. The inclusion of a nine-stage framework aligns major projects with key lifecycle stages, reinforcing a purpose-driven approach in delivering community-centric outcomes.
Manon Bradley, MPA development director, affirmed the indispensable role of social value in augmenting project outcomes and ensuring equitable stakeholder benefits. The collaboration highlighted in this report, alongside a commitment to clear policies and suitably qualified personnel, is integral in navigating and implementing effective social value strategies. It anticipates the Procurement Act 2023 fostering a more cohesive and accountable approach within public procurement. Clare Tetlow of Procure Plus expressed anticipation for how these developments might further refine public procurement processes, maximising societal impact.
The guide by Jacobs and MPA provides an essential framework for integrating social value into infrastructure projects, maximising their broader societal benefits.
