'10 Minute Tip' by Denise Southard - Social Value Expert - 7am until 9:30am
Denise Southard is an experienced social value professional of 10 years with a strong track record of delivering impactful community programmes across the construction and built environment sector.
Denise has led initiatives that support local employment, skills development, and community engagement, helping individuals access sustainable careers through pre-employment programmes and training pathways.
Denise has worked in partnership with organisations such as the Jason Roberts Foundation and Street Doctors, creating meaningful collaborations that benefit both communities and businesses. Denise’s experience spans major projects including residential, data centres, film studios, and logistics developments, where she has successfully embedded social value strategies that deliver measurable positive outcomes.
Denise is passionate about turning social value from a contractual obligation into a powerful tool for positive change and business growth.
Denise works really well with
• Construction and built environment businesses (SMEs and contractors)
• Property developers and project managers
• HR, CSR, and ESG professionals
• Business owners interested in winning contracts that require social value
• Organisations looking to improve community engagement and impact
About the conversation:
How Small Businesses Can Use Social Value to Stand Out
4 Key Points
• What Real Community Engagement Looks Like (Beyond ‘Tick Box’ Social Value)
Many businesses say they “do social value,” but it often lacks real impact. Denise Southard will explain what meaningful community engagement actually looks like in practice, and how to move from one-off activities to something that creates lasting value.• How to Build Strong Local Partnerships
Engaging with the right organisations is key. Denise will share how working with groups such as the Jason Roberts Foundation and Street Doctors can open doors, build trust, and create opportunities that benefit both your business and the community.• Creating Opportunities That Make a Difference
Denise will also talk through practical examples like pre-employment programmes that helped local people gain CSCS cards and access construction careers. These types of initiatives not only change lives but also demonstrate genuine commitment when bidding for public contracts.• Making Community Engagement Work for Your Business
Done properly, community engagement isn’t just “nice to have”, it strengthens your reputation and makes you more attractive to public sector buyers. Denise will explain how to align your activity with what organisations are actually looking for.This session will help small business owners and professionals like you understand how social value can be used as a strategic advantage, not just a requirement. You’ll learn practical ways to win more work, strengthen your brand, and make a positive impact in your community while still focusing on your commercial success.
