Audit, Assurance and Verification of Social Value Claims
Share
As social value has become embedded in commissioning, expectations around assurance have increased significantly. Commissioners are no longer satisfied with narrative claims alone; they expect evidence that social value delivery is real, measurable and verifiable. Providers that cannot demonstrate assurance risk challenge during contract reviews or tender evaluations.
This article builds on guidance within the measuring and reporting social value tag and the wider Knowledge Hub content on governance and leadership. It focuses on how adult social care providers can audit and verify social value delivery in line with commissioner expectations.
Why Assurance Matters in Social Value
Social value commitments often influence contract award decisions. Commissioners therefore need confidence that claims are credible and capable of independent scrutiny.
Assurance provides:
- Confidence that commitments are being delivered
- Protection against overstatement or misreporting
- A clear audit trail for internal and external review
What Commissioners Expect to See
Commissioners typically expect providers to demonstrate how social value activity is governed, monitored and reviewed. This includes evidence that claims are based on data rather than anecdote.
Common expectations include:
- Clear definitions of social value outcomes
- Documented measurement methodologies
- Regular internal review and challenge
Operational Examples of Verifiable Evidence
Example one: A provider evidences local employment outcomes using payroll data, recruitment records and retention metrics rather than headline numbers alone.
Example two: Environmental commitments are supported by energy usage reports and supplier invoices rather than descriptive statements.
Example three: Community partnership activity is evidenced through attendance records, memoranda of understanding and feedback summaries.
Building an Audit Trail
An effective audit trail links commitments to delivery and evidence. Providers should be able to demonstrate:
- What was promised
- What was delivered
- How delivery was measured
This trail should be accessible and consistent across reporting periods.
Independent Verification and External Assurance
Some commissioners increasingly value independent verification, particularly for higher-value contracts. This may include external audits, third-party certifications or peer review mechanisms.
While not always mandatory, independent assurance strengthens credibility and reduces risk.
Governance and Oversight
Social value assurance should sit within wider governance structures. Senior leadership oversight, board reporting and escalation mechanisms all contribute to credible delivery.
Where issues are identified, providers should be able to evidence corrective action and learning.
Using Assurance to Strengthen Relationships
Providers that demonstrate strong assurance processes tend to build greater commissioner trust. This supports more constructive contract management and reduces challenge.
Assurance should therefore be viewed as an enabler, not a burden.
💼 Rapid Support Products (fast turnaround options)
- ⚡ 48-Hour Tender Triage
- 🆘 Bid Rescue Session – 60 minutes
- ✍️ Score Booster – Tender Answer Rewrite (500–2000 words)
- 🧩 Tender Answer Blueprint
- 📝 Tender Proofreading & Light Editing
- 🔍 Pre-Tender Readiness Audit
- 📁 Tender Document Review
🚀 Need a Bid Writing Quote?
If you’re exploring support for an upcoming tender or framework, request a quick, no-obligation quote. I’ll review your documents and respond with:
- A clear scope of work
- Estimated days required
- A fixed fee quote
- Any risks, considerations or quick wins