Today, Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils launched a new joint Social Value Strategy, reinforcing their commitment to creating positive social, economic and environmental outcomes for local communities beyond the delivery of core council services. 

The strategy sets out how council projects and spending will deliver wider benefits for residents beyond their core purpose. This includes supporting local businesses, creating jobs and training opportunities, as well as tackling inequalities, improving health and wellbeing, reducing emissions and enhancing biodiversity. 

By working closely with businesses, voluntary organisations and residents, the councils aim to deliver meaningful and lasting improvements for local communities. 

Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Development at Waverley Borough Council, Councillor Liz Townsend, said: "At its heart, social value is about ensuring that every pound the Council spends delivers the greatest possible benefit for our communities. And that is more important now than ever. It asks us to look beyond the immediate purchase of goods, services or works and consider what wider social, economic and environmental benefits can also be achieved." 

Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Economy and Place at Guildford Borough Council, Councillor Vanessa King, added: 

"Social value is about making sure every pound we spend delivers wider benefits for our communities. For example, when we award a contract to build new homes, the contractor may also commit to recruiting local apprentices, supporting local businesses through its supply chain, planting trees and enhancing biodiversity around the site. This helps create lasting benefits for residents alongside the homes themselves." 

The strategy builds on successful social value initiatives already delivered across both boroughs, such as the Ash Road Bridge scheme in Guildford. Delivered by Volker Fitzpatrick, the project created local jobs, supported local businesses and engaged young people in construction careers.

In Waverley, the council's heating contractor Smith and Byford, worked closely with local charity SATRO to provide students with work placements focused on science, technology, engineering and maths. 

To support the launch of the strategy, the councils will be hosting a Social Value Launch and Networking event later this month. This will bring together organisations that deliver social value with community groups and organisations that will benefit from that support. 

You can read the strategy on the council website