Social Value UK, the professional body for social value in the UK, defines social value as: the quantification of the relative importance that people place on the changes they experience in their lives. More simply, this means measuring the impact of activities on people and wider society’s welfare and wellbeing. So, it involves looking at things like the impact of local supply chain spend, increased employment, training, and reduction in carbon emissions on people and wider society.

Rail’s future reputation and sustainability credentials will be influenced by how the industry’s social value competencies are built and maintained. At RSSB we have recognised that a significant gap exists for a comprehensive framework to outline both the different levels of social value competency as well as clear guidance on how to progress from one level of competency to another. 

For this reason, the Social Value Competency Guide was developed to provide a framework to help individuals and/or organisations within the rail industry progress their knowledge, understanding, and practice of social value. This framework will enable people and organisations to baseline themselves against industry-established competencies and map out a path to progress. These are supported by information to help you and/or your organisation establish and build your social value capability and knowledge. 

The framework is presented through two matrices: 

  • the ‘Social Value Competency Matrix’, outlines the different levels of social value competency and seeks to create a more unified approach across the rail industry.
  • the ‘Routes to Competency Matrix’, provides guidance on how to progress from one level of competency to the next and provides an easy-to-use, tangible tool for individuals and/or organisations to draw on when establishing a path of progress.

These matrices have been designed for people and organisations within the rail industry who want to progress their knowledge, understanding, and practice of social value. 

They have been designed with, by, and for the rail sector. However, where applicable, their use across the wider transport sector is actively encouraged.