Our Social Value Statement sets out how Westmorland and Furness Council will use its role as an employer, buyer, investor, landowner and community leader to create positive social, economic and environmental outcomes for local people.
What social value means
Social value makes sure public investment delivers the greatest possible benefit for residents and communities.
Organisations bidding for public contracts need to show how they will create benefits for local people, communities and places alongside delivering the contrast itself.
For example, a contract to deliver a building project could also:
- create apprenticeships for local people
- offer work experience opportunities
- support community projects
- local green spaces
- local businesses grow
Why social value matters
As a Council, we spend millions of pounds each year on services, projects and investments.
By thinking differently about how we spend, we can:
- support local jobs and skills
- improve health and wellbeing
- strengthen communities
- tackle environmental challenges
- create lasting benefits for future generations
Social value helps us turn everyday decisions into opportunities to make a bigger difference.
Our social value priorities
Working with our communities and partners, we will focus efforts in three key areas:
- skills, employment and economic inclusion - helping people access training, employment and opportunities
- health, wellbeing and prevention - supporting healthier lives, stronger communities and early intervention
- environmental sustainability and climate resilience - taking action to protect our environment and prepare for challenges
The Social Value Opportunities Library
The Social Value Opportunities Library will be an online resource that anyone can access.
It will bring together:
- local projects, ideas and activities that could benefit from support
- businesses, suppliers, investors and partner organisations that want to help
The Library is for:
- businesses and suppliers - to find meaningful opportunities to support local communities and deliver social value commitments
- community groups and charities – wanting to highlight projects, activities and ideas that could benefit from investment, expertise or volunteer support
- public sector and partner organisations – working together to maximise impact and improve outcomes for local people
Residents will be able to see how organisations are contributing to communities across Westmorland and Furness.
These opportunities will be posted in the library by local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations.
Organisations looking to help could support VCFSEs through supporting activities like:
- apprenticeship, training or work experience programmes
- community health and wellbeing projects
- environmental improvements
- volunteering initiatives
- the work of local charities and community organisations
Helping shape the Library
We want the Library to reflect the needs and ambitions of our communities.
Community organisations, charities, social enterprises, town and parish councils and other local groups will have the chance to suggest projects and ideas for consideration.
This will help ensure future investment is targeted where it can make the greatest difference.
Next steps
The Social Value Statement was approved by the Council’s Cabinet on 8 September 2026. and work is now underway to develop the Library.
Over the coming months we will:
- engage with businesses, partners and community organisations
- invite proposals for potential opportunities
- develop the online Library
- share examples of successful social value projects
- report publicly on progress and impact
The Library is expected to launch in 2027.
Documents
You can find more information in: