Supplier Social Value Hub

At Northern, we are continually looking to further our impact. Taking into account what our communities’ differing needs and challenges are, and responding to those wherever we are able to do so, using the resources available to us. We want our suppliers to do the same through their contracts with Northern – considering what is truly within your ability to deliver, and how that will benefit our communities in a meaningful, sustainable way.

Your ITT documents will outline exactly how to submit your bid on the Social Value Portal.
When you’ve decided on which TOMs measures you think are the right fit for your business and this contract, consider what you can confidently commit to delivering – whether that’s employee time, financial or in kind resources. 

You will need to show how you’ve arrived at the targets – this is done through your ‘target descriptions’. You need to provide a description for every target you set. It’s important to be clear on how you’ve reached your numbers, and where relevant provide a calculation. 
The targets you set will form part of your contract with us so you’ll need to demonstrate that you have clearly thought about what is achievable. Your qualitative evidence is an opportunity to demonstrate how you are going to deliver your commitments. Be clear and provide details of any third parties you might work with, and any steps you may have already taken to ensure you meet your targets if you win the contract you’re bidding on.

Many of our suppliers are based within the network we serve – you will know your communities and what is going to make the biggest impact for them. We’re not prescriptive about which TOMs you choose – we want you to deliver social value that is meaningful and many of our suppliers already take a place led approach to social value, engaging successfully with communities in a number of ways, in order to understand their needs.
 

For all tenders with a contract value of £500,000+ we will also require you to submit a delivery plan. Details of exactly what is required can be found in the ITT documents. Please ensure you respond of each of the elements listed. When the contract award is made, social value will be a KPI and you will be required to report quarterly on your progress. 

The best delivery plans will provide the evaluator with a high level of confidence a bidder’s ability to meet targets. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate both an understanding of what is required, and a clear pathway to ensuring you achieve the impact you’re setting out to.

Think about who is going to be responsible for managing the social value element of this contract. You should be working closely with this person when setting targets to ensure they’re realistic. 

Consider the details – for example:

• If you’ve committed to supporting 2 part time (0.5 FTE) roles, for people who face barriers to employment, what will that recruitment process entail? It’s important to be clear about the steps you will take to reach the people you are committing to support.
• Are you looking to deliver career support – if so, tell us what those sessions involve, who will deliver them and who will benefit. How will you plan those sessions to ensure they have meaningful impact for those taking part? Have you already spoken with a school or college to discuss what’s possible? How will impact be monitored? 

If you would like to join a bidder Q&A with Northern please email [email protected] 

You will also have the chance to join a bidder engagement session with Social Value Portal if you are bidding on a contract. Details of how to join will be in your ITT document.

For any technical help with using the Social Value Portal contact [email protected]

Any other clarifications related to a tender should come through Delta as usual.

We have put together a list of useful resources to help you in submitting your bid to work with Northern.

• Download our Northern Trains - Light TOMS and Master TOMS.
• View our Becoming a Supplier for Northern page. 
• Download The essential bidder's guide document.
• Once you've registered with the  Social Value Portal using the link in your ITT pack, you'll be able to access plenty of useful resources including step by step instruction videos for how to add your commitments to the portal. 

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