Launch of Social Value Toolkit for Cooperative Councils

• 24th Jul 2025

Unlocking Transformative Social Value

CCIN Social Value Toolkit launched

Launched on Wednesday, 23 July, this Toolkit brings together extensive work and expert insight. It comes at a key moment, with the new Procurement Act, the government’s aim to double the size of the cooperative and mutual economy, and the civil society covenant promoting closer collaboration with communities.

While standardising procurement and social value processes may seem helpful, this won’t always support deeper goals. The Toolkit explains why—and offers an alternative approach.

It shows councils how to take advantage of the legal flexibilities, including those in the Procurement Act 2023, to advance community wealth-building and cooperative placemaking.

Drawing on best practice from across the network and beyond, it broadens your council’s understanding of what’s possible, highlighting the tools, methods and mindsets needed to create meaningful, policy-aligned social value.

The Toolkit was launched by:

• Cllr Jim Robbins – Chair of the CCIN & Leader of Swindon Borough Council
• Simon Grove-White – report author, freelance
• Mark Cook – Partner Anthony Collins Solicitors
• Cllr Keith Cunliffe – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder Adult Social Care and Health – Wigan Council
• Andrea Glasspell – Assistant Director, Community Wealth and Health – Wigan Council