Join us for the launch of the Lancashire Social Value Network!

We are thrilled to introduce the launch of our new Social Value Support Network in Lancashire—a dynamic community aimed at empowering individuals and organisations committed to driving social impact.

The network is designed to simplify the delivery of social value across the region, making it easier for anyone passionate about creating positive change to contribute effectively. Whether you’re looking to connect with new organisations, improve social value in bids, share best practices, or learn new strategies, this community will inspire collaboration, learning, and connections across diverse sectors.

Our goal is to foster significant community impact and empower professionals to advance social value initiatives in Lancashire. If you’re interested in learning more and becoming part of this transformative network, please sign up. Let’s collaborate to make a real difference in Lancashire!

Who should join us on the day?

• Businesses aiming to enhance their understanding of social value in bids and tenders
• Procurement professionals that incorporate social value in bids and tenders
• Charitable organisations seeking to raise awareness and links to social value
• Employers, Civic Institutions or Anchor Employers seeking to understand the ways they can deliver impact locally
• Organisations seeking to develop ideas and inspiration to meet social value, CSR, and ESG objectives
• Anyone with an interest in delivering Social Value in Lancashire

Agenda

• Welcome and Introduction to the Network
• Identifying challenges and opportunities for Social Value in Lancashire
• Guest Speaker: Elaine Hutchison, TVS Supply Chain Solutions Ltd.
  • Elaine will share her insights around successfully embedding social value and community engagement into one of the largest employers in the region.
• Guest Speaker: Anne Whelan, UK Men's Sheds Association.
  • Anne represents the UK Men’s Sheds Association across the North of England and will introduce how Men’s Sheds can act as a conduit for social value across Lancashire, as well as supporting communities, improving wellbeing, and reducing social isolation in their own right.

• Capturing views on taking the network forward

Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available upon arrival. 

Help us shape and steer the Network: We are also seeking passionate individuals to help shape, inform and support the development of the network, its direction, and activities. We welcome diverse perspectives from the private, charity, and public sectors to ensure the network meets everyone’s needs. If you have an interest in delivering social value, this is a fantastic opportunity to shape a network in your local community. To let us know that you are interested just send a brief email to leigh.mclaughlin@lancashireskillshub.co.uk

Elaine Hutchison, Social Value Coordinator, TVS Supply Chain Solutions Ltd

Elaine has been with TVS Supply Chain Solutions since April 2023 and is the Social Value Coordinator, driving sustainability and community engagement for the organisation. Having gained a first-class hons Community Leadership Degree, Elaine has a wealth of national and international experience in working with marginalised communities, volunteer management, and participatory action research. Elaine works closely with the Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator to bring the fundamental principles of Sustainability, ESG, and Corporate Social Responsibility, including community engagement, to the organisation. Her work is very much underpinned by the UN Sustainability Development Goals, and the social and environmental impact TVS SCS has on the local communities where they are based.

Anne Whelan, Development Officer, UK Men’s Sheds Association

After running her own retail business for 13 years, Anne has worked in and with the voluntary sector since 2001, in a wide variety of short-term development roles. These have involved developing support initiatives addressing a wealth of service user demographics and needs including veterans, offenders, low socio-economic neighbourhoods and health inequalities, addressing challenges around unemployment and debt, bereavement, disability, long-term health conditions and mental health challenges.