SENSE Learning - Social Value Policy

1. Introduction and scope

This policy sets out how SENse Learning creates social value through its work. It applies to SENse Learning's activities as an organisation, and is followed by its employees and promoted by its leadership.

Much of our provision is delivered by self-employed associates under contracts for services. This policy describes the commitments SENse Learning makes as an organisation, including to the associates it works with. It does not place obligations on associates or create an employment or worker relationship.

2. Principles and what we mean by social value

• SENse Learning is committed to delivering social value through everything it does.

• As an alternative education provider, our primary ambition is better outcomes for children, young people, their families and communities.

• We aim to sustain and grow this contribution as SENse Learning grows, and to work with public and private sector partners to deliver social value in the wider community.

The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 requires public bodies to consider how the services they commission can improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of an area. Our commissioners take this into account when they buy services from us.

For SENse Learning, social value means the wider economic, social and environmental benefits our work creates for individuals, communities and society, beyond the core service we are commissioned to deliver.

3. Jobs and opportunities

SENse Learning works with a mix of employees, on permanent full-time and part-time contracts, and self-employed associates. We aim to:

• be a secure and reliable employer, and a reliable, fair organisation for self-employed professionals to work with;

• create opportunities for suitably qualified local people, whether as employees or as associates;

• create more opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds;

• support the professional development of our employees; and

• give associates access to optional CPD sessions and resources that support their own professional development.

4. A responsible supply chain

We aim to build and maintain a responsible, sustainable and, where possible, local supply chain, and so increase the social value we deliver locally. We will:

• follow a rigorous, ethical process when selecting suppliers, including due diligence on their track record and policies, and their social value strategy or equivalent;

• use supplier onboarding to identify ways to improve efficiency and reduce waste across the business; and

• pay suppliers and associates' invoices on time and in line with agreed terms, so we do not contribute to cash flow problems for small businesses and self-employed professionals.

5. Social impact for young people and communities

Our core social value comes from helping vulnerable children and young people become healthier, more resilient and better able to take part in society. That resilience extends to their families and communities.

We offer a flexible, bespoke curriculum to children and young people who are out of school or struggling to attend. Relationship building, interest-led learning, and social, emotional and academic development are at the heart of what we do.

Through this, we aim to give children and young people with complex additional needs the tools and practical knowledge to navigate the world around them and become more independent.

A high proportion of our students go on to engage with more formal education, training or employment. [Insert supporting figure and period.]

6. Measuring and reporting

We will record and review the social value we deliver at least annually, so we can evidence it to commissioners and improve. This may include:

• students' progression into education, training or employment;

• the number of local people and people from disadvantaged backgrounds we employ or work with;

• the proportion of spend with local and small suppliers, and payment performance; and

• feedback from students, families and commissioners.