Dashboard

What is this session about?

Social value is becoming an increasingly important part of how organisations think about procurement, supply chains and the wider impact of their activities.

This virtual conference will explore what social value can look like in practice, with a particular focus on Ireland’s Trading for Impact policy, the social enterprise landscape and the role procurement can play in creating wider social outcomes.

The session will also consider the recently launched National Public Procurement Strategy and the growing focus on socially responsible public procurement, looking at what this direction of travel could mean for organisations, suppliers and social enterprises.

Bringing together policy, social enterprise and industry perspectives, the conference will explore how organisations can move from ambition to practical action — including increasing engagement with social enterprises, building social value into procurement and creating opportunities across the supply chain.

The session will build on the School’s recent work on social value, including the Social Value Industry Guide, and will be facilitated by Sam Walker, Action Sustainability, who played a key role in developing the guide alongside members of the School’s Social Value Working Group.

Draft agenda

• Welcome and scene setting: social value in the built environment
• Trading for Impact and Ireland’s social enterprise landscape
• Social enterprise, buying social and access to supply chains
• The National Public Procurement Strategy and socially responsible procurement
• Social value in practice: an industry perspective
• Facilitated panel discussion and audience Q&A
• Takeaways and next steps

Facilitator

Sam Walker, Action Sustainability

Speakers

Catherine Coll, Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
John Logue, Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI)
Anthony Burrowes, Social Value Manager, Ireland and Europe, John Sisk & Son

Further industry contributors will be announced shortly.

What will I learn?

This conference will provide participants with:

• A practical introduction to social value and what it can mean for organisations and supply chains.
• An overview of Ireland’s Trading for Impact policy and the current social enterprise landscape.
• Insight into the role social enterprises can play in delivering social value.
• An understanding of how procurement can help create wider social outcomes.
• Context on the new National Public Procurement Strategy and socially responsible public procurement.
• Practical perspectives on embedding social value into procurement and supplier engagement.

Signposting to School resources and practical next steps for organisations looking to develop their approach

Who will I hear from?

The session will bring together voices from policy, social enterprise and industry.

Speakers will explore the national policy landscape, the experience of social enterprises and the practical role buyers, contractors and suppliers can play in creating social value through procurement and supply-chain decisions.

A facilitated panel discussion will also give attendees an opportunity to put questions directly to the speakers and explore some of the opportunities and challenges involved in putting social value into practice.

Who should attend?

This virtual conference is suitable for members at all levels.

It will be especially relevant for anyone involved in:

• procurement and supply-chain management
• sustainability and ESG
• social value and community impact
• responsible sourcing
• supplier engagement
• public-sector procurement
• construction and infrastructure delivery

No prior knowledge of social value or social enterprise is required.

What are the technical requirements?

You will need:  

• An internet connection
• A computer
• Earphones/headphones/speakers (preferable) 
• A tablet/iPad/smartphone/iPhone to load facilitation tools

If you’re planning to book this session, please note that AI note-takers won’t be permitted. If you need note-taking support for accessibility reasons, we’re more than happy to help – just let us know. We’re committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. If you have any disabilities or specific requirements, feel free to reach out to us in advance at info@supplychainschool.ie

Can I invite a colleague? 

Yes, you can invite as many colleagues as you’d like. Simply follow the instructions when you click through to register under ‘Add or cancel additional attendees’. 

If you have any questions about this session, please contact pamela@supplychainschool.ie