Digital Recognition Scheme
Meaningful Action. Measurable Recognition
What Is Social Value?
Social Value forms part of Corporate Social Responsibility or ‘CSR‘ and represents the positive impact an organisation makes beyond profit, through contributing to the economy, environment and community. When you invest in young people, education, and your local community, you can make a lasting impact by opening doors, building confidence, and helping others to thrive.
By working with us and joining our Social Value Excellence scheme, you are not just giving back, you are building a brand, creating new opportunities, and showcasing what leadership in action really looks like!
Why Join The Scheme?
Social Value is now a key differentiator in winning contracts, tenders, and partnerships. We want to help you to evidence your impact, strengthen your position, and stand out in a competitive market.
Our Social Value Excellence Scheme creates meaningful opportunities for collaboration that deliver real impact – not only within our college, but across the wider community.
With over 20 meaningful ways to get involved, you can choose which types of social value engagement/activity best aligns with your goals. The scheme also recognises up to three unique contributions made elsewhere in the West Midlands giving recognition to your wider social value impact beyond your engagement with the college.
How Does It Work?
Each year (rolling from your first engagement), you choose how you’d like to participate by selecting from an extensive menu of Social Value opportunities ‘ways to engage’.
Based on your level of engagement (which translates into points) you’ll earn a Bronze, Silver, or Gold ‘excellence in social value‘ Badge which will be:
- Display-ready for websites, email signatures and LinkedIn
- Celebrated on our Employer Wall of Impact*
- Featured in college communications and events*
We will track engagement, celebrate progress, and award badges throughout the year.
*subject to your permission/preferences.
Tier 1
High Impact & Commitment
5 points each
Tier 2
Medium Engagement
3 points each
Tier 3
Lighter touch/one-off engagement
3 points each
Tier 4
Unique contributions
Up to 5 points each
Tier 5
Upskilling (Proportional Commitment)
Up to 4 points
% of workforce upskilled:
up to 10% – 2 points;
10-25% – 3 points;
over 25% – 4 points.
Tier 1
Develop talent through apprenticeship programmes (new and existing employees)
5 points
Provide Work Experience projects/ Industry placements for our students
5 points
Create a Supported Internship Placement for a student with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
5 points
Support Inclusive Employment Initiatives
5 points
Join our Employer Advisory Boards (helping us to keep our curriculums up to date!)
5 points
Provide a placement for college staff (tutors/assessors) to collect CPD hours
5 points
Support a Skills Bootcamp or Into Employment programme
5 points
Sponsor college equipment/rooms/competitions/awards.
5 points
Tier 2
Create a live project brief or competitive challenge for students (great for generating fresh insights & ideas for your business!)
3 points
Deliver a guest lecture in your area of expertise
3 points
Talk to a group of students about your industry (a day in the life of…)
3 points
Deliver a keynote presentation at a college event
3 points
Supporting competitions (judging entries, hosting challenges and more!)
3 points
Demonstrate commitment to environmental sustainability (progression towards global goals)
3 points
Offer work experience opportunities to our feeder schools
3 points
Tier 3
Host a workplace visit or behind-the-scenes tour
2 points
Deliver a careers or apprenticeship talk at one of our feeder schools
2 points
Exhibit at or support our career’s fair
2 points
Help students with mock interviews
2 points
Support our community or outreach events
2 points
Tier 4
Unique Contribution 1
Up to 5 points
Unique Contribution 2
Up to 5 points
Unique Contribution 3
Up to 5 points
Tier 5
Upskilling existing workforce
Up to 4pts (proportionate for number of employees)
Excellence In Social Value Badges
Diversity Of Engagement
To ensure a well-rounded contribution to social value, employers may claim no more than 10 points from any single activity type. In addition, Silver and Gold badge levels require engagement in at least three distinct types of activity from the approved list. This ensures the impact is broad, balanced, and aligned with the aims of the scheme.
Get Recognised, Get Involved
To join or find out more or register on the scheme.
