Achieving true Social Value is a team effort. From tackling inequality to building a more sustainable world, the challenges we face are too complex for any one organisation to solve.
In an increasingly interconnected yet fragmented world, the pursuit of Social Value has never been more critical. The issues confronting our societies – persistent inequalities, economic inactivity, and the urgent need for sustainable practices – are multifaceted and deeply entrenched.
No single entity, however well-resourced or well-intentioned, possesses the complete solution. Lasting change happens when businesses, government, the voluntary sector, and communities join together, weaving a tapestry of fresh ideas, local understanding, and solutions shaped by the very people they are designed to benefit. Our work with Makers and Debate Mate are examples of this collaborative model in action, delivering tangible and sustainable impact.
Recognising our responsibility
At Deloitte, we believe that solving key challenges like economic inactivity involves bringing multiple parts of the ecosystem together, fostering a holistic approach that addresses the issue from all angles. It was with this understanding that we established the Pathways to People initiative.
As part of this initiative, we hosted two pilot community-oriented workshops in West Yorkshire and in Liverpool City Region. We invited diverse representation from across the labour market system including employers, healthcare providers, local government and the third sector to talk about the role employers can play in creating quality, supportive and meaningful jobs.
Our workshops concentrated on how to get economically inactive people working by considering each region's unique challenges, industries and workforce. The goal was to co-develop practical solutions that improve access to quality jobs.
Listening to local voices
The insights gleaned from these workshops were invaluable, reinforcing the power of local voices. They highlighted the value of bringing together a spectrum of stakeholders to generate ideas grounded in the local environment. We heard calls to "level the playing field," a recognition that "it’s down to us to link together – business, academia and communities," and the powerful assertion that "everyone has a part to play."
These workshops, along with broader regional engagement, highlighted the need for holistic, integrated and multi-agency approaches to addressing economic inactivity. They recognised the complex nature of people and their individual circumstances and needs.
The recommendations that emerged focused predominantly on the intersect – areas where cross-system collaboration can have the biggest impact. These included simplifying recruitment processes, providing immediate practical support like childcare or subsidised travel, developing universal toolkits for inclusive practices, and investing in upskilling and reskilling in line with local growth plans.
Crucially, discussions highlighted the need for place-based solutions, defined and implemented in the community. Participants also highlighted the role Central Government and national organisations can play in enabling information and best practice sharing, and supporting initiatives to scale.
Let’s keep the conversation going
Achieving Social Value demands a deep understanding of regional nuances. National ambitions must be complemented by granular, local insights. For organisations, this commitment to place-based social value is foundational: attracting top talent, deepening client relationships, and fostering sustainable growth.
By actively engaging diverse local and regional stakeholders, convening conversations, and co-creating solutions, we can collectively unlock local potential. This collaborative approach designs fulfilling jobs and builds resilient, thriving communities across the UK. It ensures local approaches for local people delivering solutions that are individual, inclusive, and genuinely transformative.
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