Social Value looks beyond just delivering an action to consider its real-world effects on communities. In public procurement, it provides a way for buyers to assess how a supplier’s work can improve local economic, social, and environmental wellbeing, making it a key factor in decision-making.
Social Value is at the heart of public procurement. The recent introduction of the Procurement Act 2023 enables the importance of social value, moving from a model which favours the Most Economically Advantageous Tender to the Most Advantageous tender model. This change will drive Social Value ambitions for all stakeholders throughout the deployment of LEVI funding.
With these changes in mind, public Charge Point Operators must work hand-in-hand with local authorities to ensure that the green transition enabled by the deployment of charging infrastructure is driven by meaningful, beneficial commitments to enhancing the environment, economy and communities in which they operate. This is where char.gy comes in. Our Social Value strategy, underpinned by our recent B-Corp certification, looks to identify the needs on a location-by-location basis and offer meaningful, deliverable social value in our areas of operation.
In every instance, we develop a social value offer based on commitments that will enhance the livelihood of residents using our infrastructure. Some key elements of our social value offer include:
Decarbonisation Efforts: We understand the importance of achieving net zero on both an individual and regional scale and believe that CPOs are responsible for going above and beyond delivering a charging network to support these ambitions. Our renewable charging network is underpinned by our Net-Zero commitments, including recycling commitments and greener charging options, and supports your decarbonisation efforts.
Supporting the local economy: By deploying infrastructure at scale, CPOs have a unique opportunity to boost the economy in their areas of operation. By utilising local supply chains and creating long-term employment, char.gy can provide secure, local employment across rural and urban areas of the UK.
Education for the Future: The next generation plays a pivotal role in the long-term success of charging infrastructure and our nation's wider mission to achieve carbon neutrality. As a part of our local presence when we deploy, char.gy can commit to supporting education in the green sector for schools, colleges and sixth forms in our areas of operation. This presents a near-endless opportunity to engage with the next generation on the importance of EVs in the green transition and the wide range of job opportunities available in the green sector.
This is only a brief insight into the social value we can deliver. We believe that, in delivering a fairer, greener charging network for all, we can build a better future for individuals across the nation.
For more information around our Social Value deliverables, contact Social Value Lead, James Irvin, today at james.irvin@char.gy