Social enterprise and procurement consortium Fusion21 has made the shortlist in the first Cabinet Office Social Value Awards – which recognise and celebrate best practice in commissioning and providing social value.

Announced as a finalist in the ‘Driving Value for Money’ category, the social enterprise – which has its head office based in Huyton, Merseyside – is one of three organisations shortlisted for this award and was selected for demonstrating a clear focus on achieving social value within available budgets, backed up by evidence.

These awards honour organisations and individuals whose activity reflects recommendations made in the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012. Fusion21 has supported this Act since its introduction, and continues to raise awareness of the importance of social value in procurement exercises, as a part of the SEUK Social Economy Alliance.

Through a collaborative approach with its membership, Fusion21 has delivered c£125m savings through the procurement process, created over 2300 jobs, and generated around £56m in community impact across the country.

Dave Neilson, Chief Executive at Fusion21, said:

“Being shortlisted for such a prestigious award highlights our passion and commitment to generating social value which supports the growth, stabilisation and development of communities.

“As a business we have been able to demonstrate the concept of intelligent procurement – so in addition to delivering cost savings, we also support our members to procure differently and add real value to communities. Our approach to considering social value through procurement leads to a wide range of positive outcomes – from job creation, to training and wider community regeneration.”

Rob Wilson, Minister for Civil Society, added:

“The Social Value Act delivers value for money while strengthening communities. Its success depends on providers of public services around the country. All of the shortlisted candidates exemplify the Act and are helping us to build a more compassionate society.”

Fusion21 joins 14 other organisations and individuals who have been shortlisted across four Social Value Awards categories. These categories also include: Social Value Leadership Award for an Organisation; Social Value Leadership Award for an Individual and Promoting and Mainstreaming Social Value Act Award.

The award winners will be announced on Thursday February 11, during a ceremony at the Social Value Summit hosted by Interserve and Social Enterprise UK.