Beyond compliance: Why Tech needs to rethink social value measurement

As more tech companies engage with public sector contracts, especially at the local level, the ability to demonstrate real social impact is becoming a competitive differentiator—not just a box to tick. But social value reporting in procurement remains fragmented, overly focused on outputs, and rarely aligned with the real-world needs of communities.

The good news? There’s a better way. And it starts with changing how we understand, measure, and scale social value.

Social value is more than numbers—it’s about outcomes

Despite best intentions, many organisations still rely on limited proxy metrics that don’t reflect the actual difference their work is making. In tech, where agile innovation and data-driven thinking are the norm, this gap feels particularly frustrating.

We’re often applying outdated frameworks to a rapidly evolving landscape—one where local authorities want more than token gestures and the private sector wants to create authentic, measurable value.

To move forward, we need more meaningful, evidence-based measurement. That’s why I helped build MeasureUp: a free, open-source resource built specifically to help organisations—especially digital-first ones—better account for the full picture of their social impact.

Introducing MeasureUp: A smarter approach for tech teams

Developed by in collaboration with consultants State of Life and PRD, MeasureUp provides a practical, flexible approach to social value measurement. It’s been designed for modern organisations of all sizes, with usability and transparency baked in.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Holistic impact measurement: Incorporates the UK ONS’s 10 dimensions of wellbeing, moving beyond economic proxies to assess real changes in people’s lives.
• WELLBY methodology: Uses government-backed measures of life satisfaction and wellbeing to evaluate outcomes that matter.
• Tiered maturity model: Supports everyone—from startups new to public procurement to established tech firms deepening their ESG reporting.

For those working in or supplying to local government, MeasureUp offers a credible, structured way to align with authority priorities while demonstrating values-driven innovation.

Why tech should lead on social value

The technology sector is uniquely placed to influence how impact is measured—precisely because we understand systems, scalability, and user-centred design. But the current landscape doesn’t always support that.

Key challenges include:

• Limited frameworks: Many are still focused on basic activities (e.g. volunteer hours, apprenticeships) that fail to reflect the depth and nuance of digital transformation efforts.
• Lack of context: One-size-fits-all metrics often ignore local realities and the unintended consequences of interventions.
• Overreliance on monetisation: Financial proxies are useful, but they shouldn’t be the only measure of success.

By adopting tools like MeasureUp, tech organisations can help shift the conversation—from cost-saving to value-creating, from compliance to contribution.

Practical steps for tech teams

Whether you’re bidding for a council contract or delivering digital services, you can start integrating better social value practices now:

1. Map your current maturity – Understand where you are today and how your initiatives align with broader impact outcomes.
2. Listen to your stakeholders – Go beyond the metrics. Use surveys and engagement tools to capture lived experiences.
3. Add depth to your data – Integrate wellbeing dimensions and track changes over time, not just against headline outputs.
4. Report with purpose – Communicate clearly and transparently, focusing on outcomes that matter to communities.

For social value to be truly embedded—especially in tech-driven environments—we need tools that are open, inclusive, and grounded in real impact. MeasureUp is a strong step forward. It helps organisations move beyond compliance and into genuine, values-led delivery.

What’s next: Evolving with the ecosystem

MeasureUp is continually evolving, with new values that will cover wealth inequality, digital inclusion, STEM and community wealth building—areas that resonate strongly with tech-led solutions.

Crucially, the platform remains open source. This creates a shared space where suppliers, councils, and community organisations can co-create a more inclusive and intelligent approach to social value.

Learn more: www.measure-up.org 

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Final thought: Tech doesn’t just build platforms—it shapes possibilities. By engaging more seriously with social value, we have the opportunity to not only win more contracts, but to build trust, foster resilience, and deliver meaningful local impact. Let’s not settle for ticking boxes when we could be transforming systems.