Social Value Conference

Turn social value into business value. Join construction leaders to explore CSR, sustainability, best practice and tender success.
About this Event

CTEC CSR and Social Value Conference 2026

Turning Social Value into Business Value

Join construction employers, contractors, supply chain partners, training providers and social value professionals for a practical and engaging conference focused on transforming social value from a compliance requirement into a genuine business advantage.

Hosted by CTEC in partnership with CSR Accreditation, this event will bring together industry leaders, employers and sustainability experts to explore how organisations can create measurable social impact whilst strengthening business performance, enhancing reputation, winning more tenders and developing stronger communities. Based on findings from the pre-event CSR Accreditation benchmarking exercise, delegates will gain valuable insight into their current activities and identify opportunities for future growth and impact.

Why attend?

The construction industry is facing increasing expectations around social value, sustainability, ESG performance and responsible business practices. Yet many organisations are already delivering positive social impact without recognising, measuring or communicating it effectively. This conference is designed to help employers understand how to turn existing good practice into a strategic advantage.

You will learn:

• How social value and CSR can support business growth and tender success.
• Practical ways to measure and communicate impact.
• How sustainability, ESG and social value are influencing procurement and supply chains.
• Effective approaches to engaging employees, communities and stakeholders.
• How responsible business practices can improve recruitment, retention and organisational culture.
• Ways to strengthen partnerships across the construction sector.

Keynote Speaker: Richard Collins, CEO CSR Accreditation

We are delighted to welcome Richard Collins, Founder and CEO of CSR Accreditation and an internationally recognised speaker on sustainability, social responsibility and ESG. Richard has worked with organisations across the UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the USA, helping businesses create positive environmental and social impact while improving business performance.

His keynote: "Purpose-Driven Business: Turning CSR into Competitive Advantage", will explore:

• Emerging trends in CSR, sustainability and social value.
• How responsible business practices strengthen organisational culture.
• The growing importance of social value in procurement and tendering.
• Creating measurable impact through purpose-led leadership.
• Building a sustainable and profitable future.
• Turning positive actions into competitive advantage and business growth.

Richard is known for his engaging and motivational style, providing practical tools that help organisations develop purpose, strengthen culture and demonstrate both social and financial value.

Interactive Workshop: Four Steps to a Sustainable Business

Facilitated by CSR Accreditation, the afternoon workshop will provide delegates with a practical framework for navigating today's complex sustainability landscape.

Using CSR Accreditation's proven Four Pillars Framework, participants will explore how to:

Environment

• Measure and improve environmental performance.
• Consider energy use, waste management, travel and supply chain impacts.
• Support net zero ambitions and carbon reduction planning.

Workplace

• Strengthen employee engagement and wellbeing.
• Support diversity, inclusion and skills development.
• Build a culture that attracts and retains talent.

Community

• Increase community engagement and social value impact.
• Develop stronger recruitment pathways and local partnerships.
• Create meaningful opportunities for future generations.

Philanthropy

• Develop volunteering and charitable initiatives.
• Build structured programmes that align with organisational values and purpose.
• Demonstrate measurable social impact.

Delegates will leave with practical tools to assess:

• What their organisation is already doing well.
• What opportunities may be missing.
• The next steps on their sustainability and social value journey.

Panel Discussion: Social Value in Practice

Hear from industry professionals, employers, contract managers, social value leaders and supply chain representatives as they share practical examples of successful social value delivery in construction. Topics will include:

• Demonstrating return on investment.
• Delivering social value through contracts.
• Engaging SMEs and supply chain partners.
• Creating positive project outcomes.
• Overcoming common challenges.

Pre-Event Sustainability Benchmark

All delegates will be invited to complete the CSR Accreditation "Get Started" Sustainability Benchmarking Toolkit before the event. This simple exercise helps organisations establish a baseline understanding of their current CSR and sustainability activity while identifying future opportunities for improvement.

Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for:

• Construction employers
• Tier 1 contractors
• SMEs and supply chain partners
• Social value professionals
• CSR and ESG leaders
• Contract managers
• HR professionals
• Training providers
• Colleges and education partners

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with industry peers, gain practical insights and discover how social value can become a powerful driver of both business success and community impact.