Social value is far more than a box-ticking exercise. It is about understanding, measuring, and demonstrating the real outcomes and lasting impact an organisation creates for people, places, the economy and the environment. Achieving this requires more than good intentions; it demands robust methodology, credible evidence, specialist expertise, and the right tools to deliver meaningful, measurable change. This has become more evident following the announcement of the PPN 026 which we explore further in this article.
That’s why we are pleased to announce that Social Value Consultancy has officially joined Compliance Chain.
About Social Value Consultancy
Social Value Consultancy was founded in 2005 by leading Social Value Economist Mark Bolger. With over 30 years of experience, Mark has worked in public, private, and third sectors, including central government departments, local authorities, NHS organisations, housing providers, developers, and infrastructure providers. Mark helped them create robust frameworks that turn social value commitments into measurable, auditable outcomes.
His experience runs deep. He has contributed to the development of the HM Treasury Unit Cost Database, developed the first accredited Social Value Calculator in the UK, supported the creation of the Global Value Exchange, and advised on major central government programmes and nationally significant infrastructure projects. During that time, Mark’s approach has remained consistent – evidence-led, transparent, and underpinned by recognised economic appraisal methods including Social Return on Investment, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and additionality assessments.
This is not a new direction for Compliance Chain, but the natural evolution of a partnership that has been developing over the past two years. During this time, Mark has worked closely with our team to embed the accredited methodologies that underpin our Social Value Management solutions. From bespoke measures and proxy values to robust calculation methodologies and assurance processes, this collaboration has shaped our software which is built on credibility, transparency, and real-world application. Formalising this partnership simply recognises the strength of a solution that has already been developed together and accredited by the Institute for Social Value andSocial Value International.
What This Means in Practice
Bringing Social Value Consultancy into Compliance Chain creates a fully integrated social value solution, combining specialist consultancy with accredited software under one roof. Rather than managing separate providers for strategy, delivery, and technology, clients benefit from a seamless end-to-end service that supports every stage of the social value lifecycle – from strategy and implementation through to measurement, assurance, and reporting. The result is a consistent, evidence-led approach with robust governance, greater efficiency and a single source of truth for managing, measuring, and demonstrating social value.
As Head of Social Value, Mark will lead a growing team that supports organisations across a broad range of needs – from developing bespoke social value measurements and proxy values, to HM Treasury Green Book Business Case Appraisals, economic impactassessments, and independent assurance and verification.
Whether you are building a Social Value Delivery Plan from scratch, reviewing an existing approach, or preparing for a major reporting requirement, the expertise is now directly integrated into what Compliance Chain offers.
Looking Ahead: PPN 026
Following this week’s publication of PPN 026, our partnership also marks the next phase of Compliance Chain’s growth. We welcome the new policy as a positive step forward, providing greater clarity and a stronger focus on creating good jobs, developing skills, and delivering measurable social outcomes through public procurement.
While PPN 026 focuses on employment and skills, it also signals an exciting direction of travel for social value. We look forward to the continued evolution of government policy, including the potential expansion of the wider Social Reporting Metrics (SRMs) introduced under PPN 002, helping to create a more consistent and outcomes-focused approach to measuring social value.
As the policy landscape continues to evolve, we are ready to support our customers every step of the way. Through our integrated consultancy expertise, accredited methodologies, and technology, we are well-positioned to help organisations adapt with confidence and remain ahead in an ever-changing social value environment.
Alongside these developments, our consultancy team will publish a practical guide to PPN 026, providing organisations with clear insight into the policy changes and practical guidance on how to align existing strategies, frameworks, and reporting processes ahead of its implementation on 1 January 2027, including guidance on PPN 026 measures and proxy values.
Message from Mark
Mark put it simply when speaking about the partnership:
‘This partnership represents the next stage in our journey. For many years, we have helped organisations understand and measure the value they create. By becoming part of Compliance Chain, we can now combine specialist consultancy with innovative technology to offer clients a truly integrated solution that is credible and transparent.’
Our integrated approach is what sets us apart. By bringing together expertise in economics, social value, technology, and compliance, we provide clients with a single multidisciplinary team rather than disconnected advice from multiple providers. United by a common methodology, an accredited platform, and a shared commitment to delivering measurable outcomes, we help organisations embed, manageand demonstrate social value with confidence.
As the expectations around responsible business continues to rise – the frameworks, the legislation, and the reporting requirements are evolving quickly, having the right support in place puts organisations in a much stronger position to meet those expectations and to demonstrate genuine impact.
If you would like to find out more about our consultancy services or how Compliance Chain can support your organisation, click here.
