Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he is taking steps to help increase awareness in the defence industry of the meaning of social value during the tendering process.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has engaged with Defence Industry regarding social value from before the Policy was launched and subsequently. The MOD has a social value team whose remit includes engaging with defence industry. Under the umbrella of the Defence Supplier Forum a dedicated Social Value working group has been established, with the aim of promoting understanding, sharing best practice and lessons learnt.

The working group is co-chaired with Industry and has attracted high levels of interest, it includes representatives from small and medium sized enterprises, trade bodies, mid-tier, as well as strategic suppliers. Members of the MOD's social value team regularly speak at a range of events, organised by industry bodies, and others raising awareness and understanding of social value.