Posted 28th September 2025
Consultation Now Open: Strengthening Collaboration Between VCSEs, SMEs and Corporate Suppliers
The Institute for Social Value is launching a sector-wide consultation to explore how partnerships between VCSEs, SMEs and corporate suppliers can drive long-term social value. This work builds on a growing body of evidence that cross-sector collaboration, when done well, leads to better outcomes for communities and more accountable, inclusive decision-making.
We are particularly interested in hearing from those with direct experience of commissioning, bidding, or delivering public contracts. Whether you are part of a VCSE, a small or medium-sized business, a corporate supplier or a public body, your insights will help shape a forthcoming briefing note aimed at political leaders and public sector commissioners.
The deadline for contributions is 30 September 2025.
Submissions can be made online via this short form: https://lnkd.in/en7Xtxzz
This consultation follows a recent panel discussion hosted by The Institute at UKREiiF, which examined the conditions that make collaborative working effective in practice. Speakers from the VCSE and private sectors offered candid reflections on the opportunities and challenges of partnership, and the conversation made clear that this is an area of both complexity and promise.
To continue the dialogue, hosted a live online event on Thursday 18 September, 12.30–1.30pm. This included a panel discussion open to all, followed by a member-only Q&A session.
To watch the webinar if you missed it, please use the following link: https://socialvalueuk.org/resources/when-vcses-and-smes-unite-experience-with-influence-what-changes/
Further interviews and case studies will be held in the coming months as part of our wider programme of work on social value and procurement. If you or your organisation have experience to share, now is the time to get involved. We look forward to hearing your views.