Lancashire Social Value Network

Join us for a procurement focused Lancashire Social Value Network

The Lancashire Social Value Network is back in May. We know that great things happen when we come together, and our mission is to forge connections between the amazing people in our community driving social value forward.

We’re excited to have pulled together a leading Social Value panel, who all have extensive knowledge and expertise across in the field. The event will feature a detailed discussion, with the panel sharing their insights on the role social value plays in successful procurement, and pointers on how organisations can position themselves to make social value a key driver of bidding success.

The panel is made up by a diverse range of procurement related professionals, with many years of experience and insight into social value and successful procurement. There will also be consideration of future developments, the impact of the Procurement Act 2023, and the opportunity to ask the panel questions from the floor. The panel includes:

• James Bennett, Procurement and Commercial Manager, Lancashire County Council
• Leanne Day, Head of Consortium Services, Procurement Hub
• Rhys Griffiths, Senior ESG Procurement Manager, Telent Technology Services Ltd
• Aimi O'Donnell, Social Value Co-ordinator & Business Liaison for DFN Project Search Blackpool, Blackpool Council

The event will also feature the opportunity to network with a range of individuals and organisations that are focused on the delivery of social value in Lancashire.  Please note: A selection of hot beverages will be available at the event. 

For those who are eager to make the most of the opportunity to connect and collaborate we will be facilitating networking to make it easier to meet and speak with people most aligned with your interests.

Who should come along?

This theme will be of interest to:

• Organisations aiming to enhance their understanding of social value in relation to bids and tenders
• Procurement professionals that incorporate social value in bids and tenders seeking to understand how others are embedding social value
• Organisations seeking to identify ways they can deliver impact locally
• Organisations seeking connections, ideas or inspiration to meet existing or future social value, CSR, and ESG objectives
• Social value practitioners or anyone with an interest in delivering Social Value in Lancashire

Panel Bios

James Bennett, Procurement and Commercial Manager (IT), Procurement Services, Lancashire County Council

With over 16 years' experience in procurement and contract management and a decade in public sector, James specialises in leveraging procurement processes to support community development, sustainability, and ethical practices. Through fostering stronger supplier relationships and implementing innovative procurement strategies, James ensures that every purchase not only meets the needs of Lancashire, but also contributes to broader social outcomes. Passionate about making a difference, he's committed to leading the integration of social value into every aspect of procurement, from supplier selection to contract management.

Leanne Day, Head of Consortium Services, Procurement Hub

With a career spanning both the public and private sectors, Leanne has a holistic view and understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing procurement professionals.

Leanne is responsible for driving innovation and strengthening Procurement Hub's services. Her focus is on delivering exceptional value to members and suppliers, while nurturing collaborative partnerships.

Rhys Griffiths, Senior ESG Procurement Manager, Telent Technology Services Ltd

Rhys is a supply chain management specialist focused on supplier performance and ESG at Telent, a UK-based technology services provider delivering mission-critical network and digital solutions. Rhys leads Telent’s Supply Chain Sustainability and Social Value Strategy, integrating ESG and ethical considerations into procurement to maximise social return on investment (SROI). Rhys also drives initiatives to enhance sustainability performance, including supplier diversity and carbon reduction.

Aimi O'Donnell, Social Value Co-ordinator & Business Liaison for DFN Project Search Blackpool Blackpool Council

Aimi has been in post as a Social Value Coordinator for five years, working within the Council's Procurement team. Her role involves designing and implementing tendering processes that prioritise social value. She sets criteria in contracts to encourage suppliers to contribute to the local community, such as providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups, offering apprenticeships, or promoting environmental sustainability initiatives.

Aimi engages with a variety of stakeholders to understand the social needs of Blackpool. She also participates in awareness-raising, training and promotes social value policies within the wider community to ensure that the council's social impact goals are widely understood and supported.

Agenda

• 0830 – 0930 Delegate registration opens, networking and visit stands
• 0930 – 0940 Event start, introduction and update
• 0940 – 1000 Table exercise – challenges & solutions social value in procurement
• 1000 – 1100 Panel discussion and Q&A
• 1100 - 1200 Event close and more networking for those wishing to stay
• 1200 - End