SENSE Learning - Social Value Policy

This Social Value Policy is made accessible to all Parents, Students, Local Authorities, Schools and SENse Learning associates.

Person responsible for ensuring that these policies are implemented and reviewed in line with the review dates: Sophie Amos, Operational Director

Introduction & Purpose

This policy is the Social Value policy for SENse Learning which will be followed by all members of the Organisation and promoted by those in the position of leadership within the Organisation. This policy will be applied to all students and SENse Learning associates.

Policy Principles & Values

• The Organisation is committed to the delivery of social value through all the activities it undertakes.

• As an Alternative Education Provider, the primary ambition is to promote greater outcomes for communities and society.

• The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2021 does not define what is meant by social value, therefore, the Organisation’s definition of social value is: ‘a process whereby organisations meet their needs for goods, services and utilities in a way that achieves value for money on a whole life basis in terms of generating benefits not only to the organisation, but also to society and the economy, whilst minimising damage to the environment’.

• The vision is to sustain and multiply this contribution as the Organisation grows, and also to continuously expand the collaboration with other organisations – both public and private – to help foster a holistic approach to delivering social value in the wider community.

Procedures

Jobs

• SENse Learning currently has a mix of self-employed contractors and some employees of whom are permanent full-time or part-time employees. The vision is to establish the Organisation as a secure, reliable employer and contractor that is accessible to suitably qualified individuals and supportive of the continued professional development of the existing staff base.

• The Organisation aims to continue contracting and employing more local people whether that be permanent employees or contracted staff.

• The Organisation aims to provide more opportunities for disadvantaged people.

• The Organisation aims to continue providing continuous professional development to both permanent employees and contracted staff.

Growth

• The vision is to establish and maintain a responsible, sustainable, local supply chain and in doing so multiply the social value delivered locally, by:

• When a requirement for goods or services is identified, it follows a rigorous, ethical supplier selection process. This process includes due diligence and research into suppliers track record and policies – including their social value strategy or equivalent.

• Through the supplier on-boarding process, the Organisation seeks to identify opportunities to leverage efficiencies and reduce waste across the business, pursuing a holistic approach to service delivery.

• Pay suppliers as per contract terms, and critically on time to avoid contributing to cash flow issues that may impact staff

Social

• This refers to activities that contribute to creating healthier and more resilient individuals, and therefore more resilient communities, equipping vulnerable individuals to participate as fully as possible in society. This goes to the core of the Organisations mission as a provider of alternative education.

• The Organisation offers a flexible and bespoke curriculum to children and young people who are out of school or struggling to attend. The Organisation puts relationship building, interest led learning and social, emotional and academic focuses at the forefront of what it does.

• Based on this, the Organisation aims to equip children and young people with complex additional needs with the tools and practical knowledge that will enable them to navigate the world around them and achieve increased independence.

• The Organisation has had a high success rate in their students engaging with more formal education or employment.