There’s a lot more conversations around social value now, especially with public sector projects. I often find that real social value is a little misunderstood and can be more of a token gesture rather than something that can genuinely create change. At Sculpt we want to deliver thoughtful interior design with meaningful impact, the latter part being about how we create social value and long lasting benefits to communities.
I think it’s important to think beyond money when delivering social value, giving time is equally important and helpful. Money is great but usually comes with additional admin and other challenges. For contractors, offering services to a charity could make a world of difference; maybe an electrician can spend a day sorting out niggling problems, a decorator can spruce up a community space or a plumber can save them money from a leak.
I would also urge all companies to look towards Social Enterprises, this could be project specific or for ongoing contracts such as cleaning. A Social Enterprise exists to create positive, valuable change while providing a valuable service in exchange. This is one of the things we mean when we talk about meaningful impact.
Here’s some great social enterprise companies worth checking out, if you have any others you’d recommend I’d love to hear about them.
Europe’s largest social enterprise designing, manufacturing and sourcing high quality indoor and outdoor commercial furniture employing a remarkable workforce, many of whom have walked life’s toughest paths.
An award-winning social enterprise providing reclaimed timber and making bespoke joinery pieces. Transforming lives through meaningful work supporting people who face barriers to employment, helping them gain confidence, skills, and a pathway to a brighter future.
A construction company in Birmingham working on mainly residential projects, helping people who face real and significant challenges in getting a job. These could include trauma, insufficient work experience, health & wellbeing needs, education barriers and communication challenges.
Training prison leavers in mechanical skills to repair and refurbish bicycles. Donated bikes are sold in their shop with profits going back into training and hiring more prison leavers, keeping them in work and out of prison.
Providing high quality internal and external signage solutions, helping companies to make the right first impression and to differentiate their business. Part of Better Pathways, a mental health charity supporting people with severe and enduring mental illness.
A Social Enterprise providing high quality commercial and domestic cleaning, gardening, painting, maintenance and electrical services in Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Providing deaf and disabled people work which fulfils their aspirations and potential.
We’re in the process of exploring how we can become a social enterprise and where we would be best placed to support our local communities. If you have any thoughts about the direction we could take then I’d very much like to chat more.