Social Enterprise UK has responded positively to the news that Chris White MP has been named Social Value Ambassador.

Social Enterprise UK chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, Peter Holbrook, said: “This is a very welcome move. Chris has been an extraordinary champion for social value. He navigated the Public Services (Social Value) Act through parliament with commitment and a real desire to revolutionise public sector commissioning practices.

“The Act is already being embedded by public sector commissioners and councils in England and Wales who want to use their spending power to create lasting social change in villages, towns and cities.

It gives commissioners the green light to choose providers that are committed to delivering community prosperity and wealth – like social enterprises and charities.

"We’ve seen local authorities like Birmingham, East Sussex and Knowsley already pick up the baton, and Liverpool City Council announced the first Social Value Taskforce to support commissioners to use the Act.

“We’re also beginning to witness a real shift in the way private sector companies do business as a result of the legislation.

"Landmarc, manager of much of the Ministry of Defence training estate, has taken action to create social value. They are seeking to procure more from social enterprises, work more closely with their local communities, increase their apprenticeship programme, and are planning to employ more ex-military personnel.”

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