Social Value and Advice NI – Tackling Inequality and Promoting Inclusion and Well-Being

At Advice NI, we view social value as an intrinsic part of our mission and culture. We work every day to deliver services that make a difference in people’s lives – and we collaborate with partners and suppliers to expand that impact.

What is Social Value? 

Social value refers to the additional benefit to the community, economy, and environment created through an organisation’s operations, services, and partnerships. It goes beyond financial value to encompass outcomes like improved well-being, reduced inequality, sustainable practices, and empowered communities. 

At Advice NI, we view social value as an intrinsic part of our mission and culture. We work every day to deliver services that make a difference in people’s lives – and we collaborate with partners and suppliers to expand that impact.

How Advice NI Delivers Social Value 

Advice NI is a charity committed to improving lives across Northern Ireland through the delivery of independent advice, information, advocacy, training, and support. Our activities generate measurable social value across several domains: 

  1. Empowering Individuals and Communities
    1. we help people navigate welfare, debt, housing, immigration, and digital exclusion challenges.
    2. Our services empower clients to exercise their rights, improve financial stability, and access essential resources.
  2. Supporting the Advice Sector
    1. We deliver nationally accredited qualifications and training to advisers and organisations across Northern Ireland.
    2. Our peer networks, quality assurance, and capacity-building initiatives improve the quality and reach of advice services.
  3. Tackling Inequality and Promoting Inclusion
    1. We focus on marginalised groups, including low-income families, migrants, older people, and people with disabilities.
    2. Our Digital Inclusion and Immigration projects provide targeted support for those facing compounded disadvantage.
  4. Delivering Sustainable Impact
    1. Our operations and service delivery models promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.
    2. We lead climate action initiatives, including the Sustainable Energy Communities NI project, to support community-led decarbonisation. 

Our Broader Social Impact 

The cumulative effect of our work is a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient society: 

  • Financial Gains: Our advice services result in millions of pounds in additional income and debt resolution annually.
  • Health & Well-Being: By reducing stress and improving access to housing, income, and support, we enhance physical and mental health.
  • Skills & Employment: Our training and employability support help people gain qualifications and move into secure, sustainable work.
  • Climate Action: Through SEC NI and internal policies, we support community and organisational contributions to net zero goals.

Helping Businesses Meet Social Value Goals 

As the social value requirements in public procurement grow, Advice NI can support businesses to develop and evidence strong social value strategies. Here’s how: 

  1. Increasing Secure Employment and Skills
    1. Training & Qualifications: We provide accredited advice and advocacy training to upskill staff.
    2. Bespoke Programmes: We tailor training to meet specific workforce development needs.
    3. Employment Inclusion: Our community-based support services help remove barriers to employment for disadvantaged groups, supporting broader labour market participation.
  2. Delivering Zero Carbon
    1. Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC NI): We facilitate community-led energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
    2. Environmental Policy: Our own operations model low-carbon behaviours through digital delivery, reduced travel, and waste minimisation.
    3. Green Partnerships: Businesses can partner with us on sustainability-focused initiatives to demonstrate practical climate action.
  3. Promoting Well-Being
    1. Internal Well-Being Standards: Our people policies model excellence in staff support, mental health, and inclusion.
    2. Community Well-Being Impact:  Our core services improve financial security, reduce stress, and address fuel poverty.
    3. Training for Impact: We provide training on social determinants of well-being (e.g. benefits, financial capability, mental health awareness). 

By working with Advice NI, businesses can enhance their own social value credentials through: 

  • Commissioning or participating in social value-driven training
  • Supporting or co-delivering community-focused projects
  • Drawing on our impact data and success stories in public tenders 

Why Partner with Advice NI? 

We are more than a service provider – we are a catalyst for social good. Businesses that work with us benefit from: 

  • Credibility and Evidence: Our impact is backed by data, testimonials, and recognised standards.
  • Flexibility:  We offer tailored, responsive solutions that align with business needs and public contract requirements.
  • Shared Values: We believe in fairness, inclusion, empowerment, and sustainability – and we seek partners who do too. 

Advice NI welcomes partnerships with suppliers and contractors who want to make a difference while delivering value for money. We can help you meet your public procurement obligations and create genuine community benefit in the process. 

Contact Us 

To find out more about how Advice NI can support your social value strategy or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact: 

Fiona Magee 

[email protected]   

www.adviceni.net  

You can review our profile on the broker register at SocialValueni.org.