We help organisations maximise the social value of every project delivered, resulting in real benefits for local people, the environment, and communities.
ESSV Pilot Programme
Hertfordshire Futures has partnered with Watford Borough Council to pilot the Employment, Skills and Social Value (ESSV) Framework and supporting service during 2026/27. The pilot is designed to strengthen the council's approach to ensuring every pound spent delivers added value for local communities, businesses, and the environment.
Through the pilot, Hertfordshire Futures works with employers, contractors, developers, and delivery partners to develop ESSV Delivery Plans, coordinate social value activities, and measure their impact against local priorities.
What is social value?
We define social value as the additional economic, social, and environmental benefits generated through public sector activities, beyond the core purpose of a contract or service. It includes supporting local employment and supply chains, empowering communities, and promoting environmental sustainability.
It is our vision that social value is embedded into Hertfordshire’s major planning developments and procurement processes, co-designed with our residents and communities, to generate genuine benefits and foster a vibrant and inclusive county.
How we can help
Our team can support you to:
Develop a tailored Employment, Skills and Social Value (ESSV) Delivery Plan
Create employment, skills, and apprenticeship opportunities for local residents
Engage with schools, colleges, and community organisations
Strengthen local supply chains and support economic growth
Deliver environmental and sustainability initiatives
Measure and report outcomes using recognised social value frameworks
We work with:
Developers
Contractors and suppliers
Employers
Procurement teams
Public sector organisations
Strategic partners
ESSV Framework priorities
The ESSV Framework provides a consistent approach to delivering social value across Hertfordshire, focusing on ten priorities that support employment, skills, environmental sustainability, economic growth, community wellbeing, and innovation. Learn more:
1. Inspiring and raising the aspirations of young people.
2. Creating opportunities for work experience, industry placements, T Levels and apprenticeships.
3. Employment for local residents.
4. Skills training and progression in the workplace.
5. Green initiatives to develop a more sustainable business environment.
6. Promoting the economy by using local supply chains and encouraging growth in the area.
7. Supporting the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector.
8. Tackling inequality and delivering wellbeing initiatives to drive diversity and inclusive growth.
9. Going above and beyond to deliver impact through innovative projects.
10. Communicating the success of social value.
These priorities ensure that social value activities align with Hertfordshire's economic, social, and environmental ambitions.
Measuring and reporting social value
We use a bespoke version of the National TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, and Measures) framework to assess social value created by contractors and delivery partners. The framework provides a consistent approach to measuring outcomes across projects and contracts.
Social value outcomes are reported through the Social Value Portal, enabling organisations to record, monitor, and demonstrate the difference their activities are making. This provides transparency and helps evidence value for money and community impact.
Resources
Explore the guidance below to learn how to deliver against the Framework:
Guidance for Bidders and Suppliers (DRAFT)
Social Value Brokerage Service
Social Value Brokerage Process
Delivered in partnership with:
Work with us
Have a question or project in mind?
Joanne Gomm is our Employment, Skills and Social Value Lead.