What is the Social Value Management Certificate?
The Social Value Management Certificate is looking at the standard of an organizations practice in managing the social value that is created (and destroyed) through its activities. This is not only about reporting social value, it is about gathering data, analyzing it, and making better informed decisions to improve your stakeholders lives through creating the most social value that you can with your resources. It does not provide proof or a statement that your organization or program is creating a particular amount of social value, more that you are putting practice in place to continuously improve the amount of value you are creating. The Social Value Management Certificate is an organizational pathway and there should be an explicit expectation when undertaking this journey that decision making, and organizational activities will change throughout.
The Social Value Management Certificate can be awarded to an organization, a department or franchise, or a specific program/project being run by an organization.
Why should I get the Social Value Management Certificate?
The Social Value Management Certificate has the following advantages:
- Gain a competitive advantage: You can prove to external stakeholders (including funders/ investors/ commissioners) that you are aligning to an international standard for managing social value and taking steps towards maximizing the value that you can create.
- Improve your practice: You can follow a clear pathway for improving the way you are measuring and managing your social value with the support of peers and an international network of practitioners.
- Maximize: You can maximize the value you are creating for all of your stakeholders by implementing robust systems to measure, manage and maximize your social value.
- Social risk management: The certificate can provide confidence to you, and your stakeholders that you are taking steps to manage your social value.
3 Levels of the Social Value Management Certificate
The Social Value Management Certificate has three levels, which are outlined below. This is an organizational development pathway, and so applicants must progress through each level consecutively.
Level 1: Commit
An organization or program must demonstrate a commitment to embedding the SVI Framework and Social Value Principles into its policies and practices, supported by senior management and/ or the board. This means an explicit commitment to managing the social value being created in the organization for all stakeholders.
Level 2: Implement
The organization or program must show that the commitment to managing social value in alignment to the SVI Framework and embedding the Social Value Principles is being implemented into the organizational practice. This will include evidence of data that has been collected.
Level 3: Manage
The organization or program must demonstrate that social value is being managed with an aim to maximize the value that is being created within the organization’s available resources for all stakeholders. This means social value data is being used in organizational decision making continuously and systems and processes are being reviewed and improved.
How to Apply for the Social Value Management Certificate
- Download and carefully read the Social Value Management Certificate Guidance Document. This contains all the information you need to make a successful application.
- Download and carefully read the Social Value Management Certificate Criteria for All 3 Levels.
- Make sure your organization has a current membership with Social Value Canada.
- Arrange a preparation call with the Assurance Manager before making the application.
- Download and read the Terms & Conditions of application. A signed copy of these must be submitted with your application.
- Download and complete the relevant Criteria and Evidence Form from links below:
Level 1 Criteria and Evidence Form
Level 2 Criteria and Evidence Form
Level 3 Criteria and Evidence Form
Did you know
It is also a good idea to take our Self-Assessment on the Social Value Self Assessment Tool. This gives you an indication of how your social value management systems and processes are already meeting the standards. It also has a very useful set of tips and guidance to help you improve your practice over time.
It is also a good idea to take our Self-Assessment on the Social Value Self Assessment Tool. This gives you an indication of how your social value management systems and processes are already meeting the standards. It also has a very useful set of tips and guidance to help you improve your practice over time.
How Has The Certificate Been Developed?
The Social Value Management Certificate has been developed by Social Value International as part of their assurance and accreditation services. The SVI Framework and Social Value Principles form the basis for the certification. The criteria for the Social Value Management Certificate is updated incrementally based on methodological updates, feedback from users and awardees, and wider review and learning. The current version of the Social Value Management Certificate is Version 2, published in March 2020. The development of the criteria and certificates is overseen by Social Value International’s Reporting and Assurance Technical Committee. There is more information on the SVI Governance on the website: https://socialvalueint.org/social-value/governance/.
How Much Does An Application for The Social Value Management Certificate Cost?
To make an application for the Social Value Management Certificate you must be an organizational member of Social Value Canada.
Not-For-Profits, Charities, and Social Enterprises
Certificate Tiers by Revenue
Tier 1 | <500k
Tier 2 | 501k-5M
Tier 3 | 5.01M-10M
Tier 4 | 10.1M+
Public Sector
Level 1
$580.00
$840.00
$1,165.00
$1,495.00
Level 2
$580.00
$840.00
$1,165.00
$1,495.00
Level 3
$580.00
$840.00
$1,165.00
$1,495.00
Certificate Tiers by Revenue
Tier 1 | <500k
Tier 2 | 501k-5M
Tier 3 | 5.01M-10M
Tier 4 | 10.1M+
For Profit Business
Level 1
$715.00
$1,035.00
$1,435.00
$1,755.00
Level 2
$715.00
$1,035.00
$1,435.00
$1,755.00
Level 3
$715.00
$1,035.00
$1,435.00
$1,755.00
Certificate Tiers By Revenue
Tier 1 | <500k
Tier 2 | 501k-5M
Tier 3 | 5.01M-10M
Tier 4 | 10.1M+
Level 1
$895.00
$1,295.00
$1,795.00
$2,195.00
Level 2
$895.00
$1,295.00
$1,795.00
$2,195.00
Level 3
$895.00
$1,295.00
$1,795.00
$2,195.00
Membership Tiers by Revenue
Not-For-Profits, Charities, Social Enterprises
Public Sector
For-Profit Business
Tier 1 | <500k
Tier 2 | 501k-5M
Tier 3 | 5.01M-10M
Tier 4 | 10/1M+
$895.00
$1,295.00
$1,795.00
$2,195.00
$895.00
$1,295.00
$1,795.00
$2,195.00
$895.00
$1,295.00
$1,795.00
$2,195.00
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply for the Social Value Management Certificate?
Whilst you can start preparing for your application at any time, and submit this through the Social Value Canada website, your application will only be processed during the Social Value Management Certificate rounds. There are 4 rounds throughout the year running for 2 weeks. The dates of these can be found on the Social Value Canada Assurance page on the website.
How long does the process take?
There are a number of steps to take to get to the award stage of the certificate which includes an initial conversation, discussion on evidence, gathering of evidence and producing documents, and the review and feedback stages. This means that the process is very dependent on where you as an organization are in terms of managing your own social value. It can also be dependent on the size and complexity of your operations.
How long will my results take from the date of application?
The initial results will be available approximately 3 weeks after a complete application is received. There may be feedback and amendments that need to be made so plan for the process to take at least 1 month for amendments to be implemented after initial feedback has been received.
Can you apply for more than one level at one time?
No. You must have each level in place before applying for the next level.
What membership is acceptable for applying for the Social Value Certificate?
You must be an organizational member of Social Value Canada to apply for the certificate. This can be through one of the Joint Member Networks of Social Value International.
Can individual members of Social Value International apply for the certificate?
You cannot apply for the certificate as an individual member.
How long does accreditation last?
Accreditation is valid for two years.