Social Value Quality Mark CIC has unveiled a new identity for the Social Value Quality Mark® – rebranding its levels as Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The new brand reflects the updates made to align the accreditation to changes in the UK’s social value landscape.

The Quality Mark is the UK’s most rigorously tested accreditation for social value. Since its launch in 2018, over 175 UK organisations have received the Quality Mark, demonstrating their commitment to doing business which benefits their employees, customers, communities and the environment. Past awardees include Kier Group and ACI Group, Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Herefordshire Council, Staffordshire University, The Cabinet Office and Caledonian MacBrayne.

The Quality Mark’s overarching Standards, categories and weightings (against which organisations are assessed) have been overhauled. The changes align the Mark to the latest social value policies and practices in the UK, and reflect Social Value Quality Mark CIC’s commitment to the highest known standards.

The changes include:

  • Alignment to the central government Social Value Model and British Standards Institution guidance on Social Value and social responsibility
  • The inclusion of additional criteria around Diversity & Inclusion
  • Recognition of best practice charters, codes and schemes that have emerged in recent years – such as the Prompt Payment Code and Mental Health at Work
  • Updated terminology to reflect the latest accepted thinking around social value.

The governance around the Mark has also been strengthened, with the appointment of new members to its Oversight Panel. The panel comprises experts from across sectors who ensure the Mark is awarded fairly, consistently, independently and legitimately.

Richard Dickins, MD and Founder of the Social Value Quality Mark CIC, said: “As an independent Community Interest Company, we’re proud to update and launch the Quality Mark for a new era. As standards and policy requirements change, it’s vital the Mark remains on the pulse as a beacon of distinction for values-led business.

“It enables organisations to have their social value independently audited and verified – bringing credibility and rigour, and celebrating high standards. For customers and jobseekers, the Mark shows these are companies committed to doing business which is ethical, sustainable and community-focussed.”

In tandem with the rebrand, Social Value Quality Mark CIC have announced several client organisations who are among the first to receive the new awards. These include:

  • Gold awardee Netcompany – a global provider of IT solutions who use the power of digital to help people transition to more sustainable ways of living and working. Netcompany becomes the first tech provider to secure Gold accreditation.
  • Bronze awardees – All Care, Dale Care, Homecarers (Liverpool), Universal Care Services and Lauriem Complete Care – all part of the Clece Care Services Group of regional care companies.
  • PDMS, a software engineering and digital transformation company based in Scotland and the Isle of Man, which also receives Bronze.

Richard Davies, Netcompany UK Country Manager says: “This accreditation recognises the extensive progress we’ve made to grow our impact against the pledges we set ourselves. In the process, we’ve developed a richer understanding of how to measure, develop and maximise the Netcompany pound to support our people, planet and small businesses. It’s huge testament to our workforce who’ve been so committed to the cause.”

For more information, visit www.socialvaluequalitymark.com or email