Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of “local”?
Within the boundaries of the Chorley Borough.
What is the different between Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Value?
Social Value and CSR are very similar but there are key differences. Social Value demonstrates positive impacts for the local area above and beyond the financial gain for businesses. Businesses undertaking council contracts, where applicable, are legally required to fulfil their agreed commitments and progress on these commitments is monitored.
Social Value completed in connection with council contracts must be as a result of winning the contract, for example, local people gaining employment with the contractor to work on the contract.
Corporate Social Responsibility commitments are “goodwill” gestures that integrate social needs into the heart of an organisation, for example, a commitment to hiring a certain number of apprentices across the UK in one year.
Social Value tied to council contracts aims to specifically benefit local residents and communities, whereas benefits of CSR commitments can be felt nationally or globally.
My business is not based in Chorley; can I offer a Social Value Commitment?
Your business does not need to be located in Chorley to provide a Social Value commitment.
The Council utilises the National TOMs Framework for the measurement and management of social value commitments.
Whilst the Council has selected from the National TOMs those measures where it feels there will be the greatest impact to address some of the issues being faced within Chorley, you may choose the TOMs from the list the commitments that you feel most confident to deliver.
It is acknowledged that if you are not based in Chorley then you may not have the same ability to employ local people, however, there is opportunity for you to provide benefit to the local area through other TOMs, such as spend in the local supply chain and support for local Voluntary and Community Sector Enterprises (VCSEs).