# Social Value Direct

> Social Value Direct is the regional associate network of the Social Value Engine — connecting organisations across the UK with accredited local consultants who can measure, evidence, and maximise social value and Social Return on Investment (SROI).

Social Value Direct provides specialist social value consultancy delivered by regionally-based associates. All associates are trained in the Social Value Engine platform and apply Social Value International principles, bringing a nationally recognised standard to communities across the UK.

## Services

- **Cost-Benefit Analysis** — Rigorous analysis of programmes and projects to demonstrate return on investment and social value created.
- **User & Community Engagement** — Structured engagement with service users and communities to capture outcomes that matter and inform decision-making.
- **Local Needs Analysis** — In-depth research into local needs and priorities to ensure services target the areas of greatest impact.
- **Social Return on Investment (SROI)** — Full SROI evaluations using the Social Value Engine, providing robust, auditable evidence of social impact.
- **Bid & Tender Support** — Expert support in articulating social value within procurement processes, helping organisations win contracts and demonstrate impact.
- **Training & Capacity Building** — Build internal capability to measure and manage social value through tailored training and workshops.

## Who is it for?

Social Value Direct is for any organisation that wants to understand, measure, or improve its social impact:

- Charities and social enterprises seeking to evidence their value to funders
- Public sector bodies needing to demonstrate value for money
- Businesses responding to ESG or procurement requirements
- Housing associations, NHS trusts, local authorities, and community organisations

## About the Social Value Engine

The Social Value Engine (SVE) is one of the UK's leading platforms for measuring and evidencing social value and SROI. It provides a rigorous, auditable framework rooted in Social Value International principles. Social Value Direct has grown out of the SVE, and all associates are trained in using its methodology.

## Key Concepts

**Social Value** refers to the wider benefits an organisation's activities create for communities, society, and the environment — going beyond financial returns. It captures outcomes like improved wellbeing, stronger communities, reduced inequalities, and better environmental stewardship.

**Social Return on Investment (SROI)** is a framework that translates social, environmental, and economic outcomes into a monetary value. An SROI ratio of 4:1, for example, means £4 of social value was created for every £1 spent.

**The Social Value Act 2012** requires UK public bodies to consider social value in procurement decisions.

## Pages

- [Home](/) — Overview of services, expertise, and how to get started
- [About](/about) — Crawlable overview of Social Value Direct for search engines and AI systems
- [Apply](/apply) — Expression of interest form for social value professionals wanting to become a regional associate
- [Events](/events) — Upcoming events and training opportunities
- [Our Team](/team) — Meet the Social Value Direct team