Category: Social Value

In 2024, Stepnell identified a clear gap within Constructing Excellence (CE) Midlands’ theme groups. While there were established forums for Smart Construction, Climate Action, Future Skills and Building Safety, there was no dedicated platform focused on social value, despite its growing importance across the construction sector.

We proposed the creation of the CE Midlands Social Value Theme Group to address this.

Following board approval, the group was officially launched at the CE Midlands Annual Summit in Birmingham in October 2024, where our Social Value Manager, Sue Woollett, delivered a keynote on why social value must sit at the heart of construction.

Her message was clear:

‘Social value is not simply a contractual requirement driven by legislation and frameworks. It is a commercial differentiator, a driver of brand reputation, and a powerful tool in attracting future talent. But more importantly, it reflects who we are as an industry, professionals committed to improving the communities in which we live and build.‘

Alongside Natasha Heritage, Social Value Manager at Stepnell, Sue now co-chairs the group, ensuring it remains action-focused and impact-driven.

Moving Beyond Conversation to Action

From its first meeting, the group established a clear principle: this would not be a “talking shop”.

Members identified five priority themes:

• Stronger collaboration across CE Midlands members
• Clearer understanding of legislation and local authority requirements
• Improved recording and reporting, particularly around the National TOM System
• Sharing and embedding best practice
• Maximising measurable impact

The ambition is simple – to empower organisations to better understand, measure and amplify the positive contribution they already make, while working collectively to increase that impact across the Midlands.

Delivering Tangible Impact: Expert Advice Live

The group’s first major initiative was Expert Advice Live, developed in response to the Procurement Act 2023.

When the group came together in January 2025, we wanted to create more than a network. We wanted to create something that would genuinely support SMEs and VCSEs to grow and succeed within the construction sector.

The result was a sold-out event in November 2025, attended by over 30 Midlands businesses.

The day provided practical, expert-led insight into:

• Social Value
• The Bid Process
• Social Media Strategy
• Sustainability in Construction
• Public Procurement for SMEs and the Voluntary Sector
• The Social Partnership Portal

Delivered collaboratively by CE Midlands members and hosted by Browne Jacobson in Birmingham, the event received outstanding feedback:

“A room full of energy and collaboration.”
“An ambitious and invaluable event for SMEs.”
“Brilliant to see such strong collaboration across the sector.”

The impact is clear: more informed, better equipped local businesses with increased confidence navigating procurement and social value requirements.

That is social value in action.

2026: Embedding Social Value Across the Full Lifecycle

The group continues to grow, with new CE Midlands members joining in 2026 — many at the early stages of their social value journey.

This year’s programme follows the full lifecycle of social value:

• Tender
• Delivery
• Measuring Impact
• Case Studies

Each session will feature specialist speakers and practical insight, ensuring members leave with tools they can implement immediately.

The first 2026 in-person meeting took place at Stepnell’s head office in Rugby, reinforcing our commitment to hosting, supporting and driving this agenda forward.

Stepnell’s Role as Leaders

As joint chairs of the CE Midlands Social Value Theme Group, Stepnell is proud to be:

• Shaping regional best practice
• Influencing how social value is understood and delivered
• Supporting SMEs and VCSEs to access opportunity
• Championing collaboration across contractors, consultants and legal partners
• Strengthening how the industry measures and evidences impact

Social value is embedded in Stepnell’s culture. From education engagement and skills development to volunteering, local procurement and community partnerships, we believe construction should leave a legacy far beyond the built asset.

Through the CE Midlands Social Value Theme Group, we are scaling that impact — not just for our projects, but for the wider industry.

If you are a CE Midlands member and would like to be involved in the 2026 programme, please contact:

Natasha Heritage – natasha.heritage@stepnell.co.uk
Sue Woollett – sue.woollett@stepnell.co.uk

Or visit: Constructing Excellence Midlands

Together, we can continue to strengthen social value delivery across the Midlands — and ensure our industry leads from the front.