Welcome to the October edition of The ISV Review!
This month’s focus is all about momentum, from the buzz following ISVCON2025 to the exciting opportunities ahead for learning and connection. We’re still feeling inspired after two powerful days of conversations that challenged systems, amplified voices and redefined what fairer practice really means.
And the learning doesn’t stop there. Next, we’re heading to London for an in-person CPD-accredited workshop exploring one of the biggest questions in modern procurement. Read on to learn more and secure your place.
Whether you joined us at the conference or are ready to take part in what’s next, this edition is filled with insights, inspiration and ways to keep the momentum going.
Put the kettle on and enjoy the read!
ISVCON 2025: Fairer Systems, Stronger Voices
Two days that redefined what leadership, fairness and impact mean in today’s world.
We’re still buzzing from ISVCON 2025, a powerful two-day event that brought together hundreds of changemakers across sectors to explore how fairer systems can empower stronger voices and deliver lasting social value.
The energy in Birmingham and online was electric. From insightful panels and thought-provoking debates to networking over a delicious lunch and tasty treats during breaks, every moment sparked ideas and connections that will continue to ripple out long after the event.
Attendees shared how the conference “...challenged us to rethink collaboration, centringcentering lived experience and value beyond profit...” and... “reminded us that social value isn’t just a policy shift, it’s a leadership shift.” Many left inspired by the call for fairness, data transparency and community-led change with key takeaways around collaboration over competition, purpose-driven leadership and making long-term impact measurable and meaningful.
A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors Mott MacDonald, BAM, Get Zero and Connelly Ltd for helping make this year’s conference such a success. Your support gave voice to the conversations that will shape the future of social value across the UK.
The reflections are still rolling in and we couldn’t be prouder of the collective energy that made ISVCON 2025 unforgettable. Here’s to building fairer systems and amplifying stronger voices together.
My 10K Farewell Walk
By Isabelle Parasram OBE, CEO of ISV
As my way of saying goodbye to the Institute for Social Value, Penny Anderson (Co-Chair of our Board) and I completed a 10K walk around Manchester – which somehow turned into 11K along the way! . We visited key landmarks, enjoyed a hot chocolate at House of Books & Friends CIC, and heard Penny’s story of seeing pink dolphins in the Amazon. Passing by The Friends Meeting House – the location of my first ISV conference as CEO – was a lovely moment to reflect on how far we’ve come as an organisation.
Joining us were Munira Khalifa, who ran in Birmingham, and Electa Hare and her walking companion, who hiked in Colorado Springs.
We raised funds for Sport 4 Life UK and CoppaFeel!, and there’s still time to donate:
https://sport4life.enthuse.com/pf/isabelle-parasram
https://www.justgiving.com/page/penny-anderson-2
Watch the video here to see the highlights from our walk.
Embedding Social Value in Procurement: From Policy to Practice
Join us in London on Thursday 27 November for an interactive CPD-accredited workshop that puts social value at the centre of procurement.
Working alongside leading procurement experts, you will explore the challenges and opportunities within the UK Procurement Act 2023, discover best practice approaches for embedding social value into contracts and gain practical strategies to answer procurement-based questions with confidence.
Through group activities, feedback sessions and a lively panel discussion, you will leave equipped with real-world insights to apply directly in your work.
Learning Activities
Build your skills and grow your impact with our upcoming social value trainings.
Networking and Events
Build connections and insights through our forums, webinars and networking opportunities.
In the News: What the SMR Tender Tells Us About Social Value in Practice
When The Times questioned the social value requirements in Great British Nuclear’s £22 million Small Modular Reactor tender, the story sparked national debate about the role of social value in procurement.
In our latest blog, we look beyond the headlines to explore why commitments to fairness, inclusion and community benefit are not just bureaucracy, but vital to creating a stronger, more resilient economy.
Read our full response and join the conversation on how social value should shape public spending.
