Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee notes the positive performance achieved in relation to generating social value during 2021/22 as well as the first six months of 2022/23; and

(b)       That the Committee supports the next steps proposed.

The Chief Officer (Social Services) presented performance data on the social value generated in Flintshire for the reporting periods, together with an update on progress with the broader social value work programme.

This was a positive report where performance targets for 2021/22 and the first half of 2022/23 had been exceeded following actions to increase social value from the Council’s commissioning and procurement activities.  In addition to providing detailed information on those achievements, the report highlighted the range of outcomes to support local communities and national recognition of social value work in Flintshire.  The ongoing action plan would help to identify further improvements to embed social value across the organisation and develop additional resources to support the work of the Social Value Development Officer.

Councillor Bernie Attridge welcomed actions to maximise social value in all procurement activities across the organisation to build upon performance.

The Corporate Manager (Capital Programme and Assets) paid tribute to the work of the Social Value Development Officer as the sole member of the team and said that plans to develop ‘social value champions’ across the organisation would expand capacity.

Councillor Paul Johnson said that social value was a corporate priority for the Council and that the action plan would help to move forward in a more sustainable way.  He suggested a future workshop on social value to raise awareness with all Members.

In response to a question from the Chairman, the Corporate Manager (Capital Programme and Assets) explained that many social value outcomes did not involve financial aspects and he referred to community benefits packages for larger contracts.

The Chief Executive said that performance reflected contractors discharging their own social responsibilities through contractual mechanisms.

The recommendations were moved and seconded by Councillor Attridge and the Chairman.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee notes the positive performance achieved in relation to generating social value during 2021/22 as well as the first six months of 2022/23; and

(b)       That the Committee supports the next steps proposed.