Social Value Management Certificate
What is the Social Value Management Certificate?
The Social Value Management Certificate (SVMC) is a multi-level award for organisations, departments or projects. It helps them:
- Manage risks: Preparing for the SVMC helps you identify the risk of unintended and negative outcomes, giving you confidence about the future.
- Maximise impact: The SVMC process can help you make evidence-based decisions to maximise your social impact.
- Improve practice: The SVMC process helps you embed good practice as you follow a clear pathway for improvement where progress is made at every level.
- Gain competitive advantage: The SVMC shows investors, customers, commissioners and others that your work aligns with the international standard for managing social value. Stakeholders are more likely to support your organisation if they know you are improving society.
Level 1: Commit
Level 2: Implement
Level 3: Maximise
Level 1: Commit
An organisation or programme must demonstrate a commitment to embedding the SVI Framework and The Principles of Social Value into its policies and practices, supported by senior management and/ or the board. This means an explicit commitment to managing the social value being created in the organisation for all stakeholders.
Level 2: Implement
The organisation or programme must show that the commitment to managing social value in alignment to the SVI Framework and the Social Value Principles is being implemented into the organisational practice. This will include evidence of data that has been collected.
Level 3: Maximise
The organisation or programme must demonstrate that social value is being managed with an aim to maximise the value that is being created within the organisation’s available resources for all stakeholders. This means social value data is being used in organisational decision making continuously and systems and processes are being reviewed and improved.
SVMC Update
Thank you for your interest in the Social Value Management Certificate (SVMC). While we are happy to proceed with your application, we want to ensure you have full clarity on the current status of the service before you decide whether to continue at this stage.
The SVMC is currently undergoing a review, and as a result, aspects of the certification process may be subject to change. While applications submitted at this stage will be assessed under the existing framework, we want to be transparent that modifications may be introduced as part of this review. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to refine and enhance the service.
Additionally, we would like to highlight that currently, some organisations may have difficulty in implementing the commitments made at Level 1, which could present challenges in progressing through the certification levels. Addressing this is a key focus of the ongoing review to ensure a clearer and more supportive pathway in the future. Organisations should spend time before making an application to explore whether they need support or guidance to ensure that commitments made at Level 1 can be translated into practice. This may involve training, mentorship, or peer support, and we would encourage those interested in Level 1 to contact us to discuss how we can support you.
If you are happy to proceed with your application under the current framework, we will continue accordingly.
However, if you prefer to wait until the review process is complete, we fully understand and can keep you informed of any developments.
Please let us know how you would like to proceed, and we will be happy to support you in whichever approach you choose. Alternatively, if you would like more information, please let us know and we will connect you with a member of our team.
How to apply
The SVMC has three levels which are completed in sequence, starting from Level 1. To apply:
- Download and read the Social Value Management Certificate Guidance Document carefully. This contains all the information you need to make a successful application.
- Make sure you have a valid organisational membership with Social Value UK.
- Contact the Assurance Team to help you prepare the application.
- Download and read the Terms & Conditions of the application. A signed copy of these must be submitted with your application.
- Download and complete the relevant Criteria and Evidence Form from the links below:
- Please note that organisations must go through each of the levels in sequence, beginning with Level 1.
- Apply using the button below. Your application will be processed during the next round of applications. The dates of the application rounds during 2025 are below. A calendar detailing the timelines of applications is available here.
| Assurance Service | Round Opens | Round Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Social Value Management Certificate Round 1 | Monday 3rd March 2025 | Friday 14th March 2025 |
| Social Value Management Certificate Round 2 | Monday 2nd June 2025 | Friday 13th June 2025 |
| Social Value Management Certificate Round 3 | Monday 15th September 2025 | Friday 26th September 2025 |
| Social Value Management Certificate Round 4 | Monday 1st December 2025 | Friday 12th December 2025 |
Fees
Fees for each level of the application are as follows:
| Organisation size | Fee |
|---|---|
| Small | £600 (£500+VAT) |
| Medium | £900 (£750+VAT) |
| Large | £1200 (£1000+VAT) |
| Very large | £1500 (£1250+VAT) |