Social value refers to the broader impact of our activities on the well-being of individuals and communities, beyond just financial metrics. It encompasses the positive changes that CAN bring to society.

Creating social value is integral to our vision of communities across the county of Dorset that are strong, healthy, diverse and thriving; and our mission to serve and champion Dorset’s charities and community groups, as we aim to address social issues and improve the quality of life for those we serve.

We are committed to creating social value through our activities, ensuring that our work benefits the community, environment, and economy sustainably and inclusively. This applies to all employees, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders involved in our charity’s operations and initiatives.

Principles

• Community Engagement: We serve charities and community groups across the county of Dorset and actively engage with them and local communities to understand their needs and priorities, ensuring our projects are relevant and beneficial.

• Inclusivity: We promote inclusivity by ensuring our services are accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, or socioeconomic status.

• Sustainability: We commit to environmentally sustainable practices,
minimizing our carbon footprint and promoting green initiatives.

• Economic Impact: We support local economies by sourcing goods and services locally and creating employment opportunities within the community.

• Transparency: We maintain transparency in our operations, regularly reporting on our impact and seeking feedback for continuous improvement through our Annual Report and State of the Sector survey.

Objectives – we strive to:

• enhance the well-being of the communities we serve.
• reduce environmental impact through sustainable practices.
• promote equality and diversity within our organisation and the communities we support.
• contribute to the local economy by supporting local businesses and creating job opportunities.

Implementation

Training and awareness: Provide access to training for staff and volunteers on social value principles and practices.

Partnerships: Collaborate with local charities and community groups, local authorities, the NHS and local businesses to maximise social value.

Monitoring and evaluation: Regularly assess the impact of our activities on social value and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.