Greengage were commissioned by Great Portland Estates to prepare a set of Social Value Guidelines that provided information on the social value concept, how it can be measured and a recommended approach to be taken that ensures the social value of any future development is maximised.
To produce this report, Greengage firstly devised a list of key social value issues that covered the economic, social and environment ways in which a development can impact on people using various quantitative and qualitative pieces of information. Upon producing this list, it gave a direction for the Social Value Guidelines in terms of identifying methods of measuring social value and associated targets for GPE which enabled progress against key issues to be measured and evaluated. Following the identification of the social value issues, Greengage produced a ‘social value opportunity checklist’ which comprised a step-by-step approach to be followed during the three main stages of development, design, construction and operation, to establish opportunities to maximise the social value of a development. These steps were examined in further detail by allocating tasks for each step alongside the outcome/reason for undertaking the task and the recommended appointed person to perform the task.
This overall framework that was produced outlines the strategic approach that GPE should take towards maximising social value of future projects or initiatives. The approach also informed the new GPE Community Strategy and Sustainable Development Brief to ensure a consistent approach.
