VCSEs and schools can play several distinct roles in public procurement, but their role as social value delivery partners is becoming increasingly important. This session explores three ways in which the sector can contribute to public procurement, before focusing on how government suppliers can build effective, deliverable partnerships with local organisations.

Drawing on whatimpact’s experience operating the National Social Value Marketplace® in Wales and our wider work as a social value think tank, Tiia Sammallahti will follow the social value journey from strategy and bidding through to delivery, evidence and impact reporting.

The session will examine practical approaches for both large and smaller contracts, including how public sector organisations can facilitate stronger local partnerships, how suppliers can identify organisations relevant to their contractual commitments, and how VCSEs and schools can be engaged in ways that create meaningful and measurable outcomes.

For those interested in continuing the conversation, participants will also be invited to VCSE Summit Wales 2027, a free, full-day online capacity-building event in January bringing together VCSEs, schools, public bodies and businesses to explore how the sectors can work more effectively together through procurement and social value.