Social Value

Our purpose is to help the public sector achieve the best possible value

We live and breathe social value in many ways, from what we do as an employer to over 500 people based in Wakefield to how we collaborate, bringing supply chain and communities together through our buying activities.

Our themes

As part of our new 3–5-year strategy we have identified four priority themes to demonstrate our commitment and contribution to social value.

Procurement

As a public sector buying organisation, its our responsibility to make sure we have diverse, sustainable and ethical supply chains free from modern slavery.

The environment

With a large warehouse and distribution network, we recognise the impact our buildings and operations have on the environment.

Communities

Many different charities are close to the hearts of people at YPO. In 2022 we donated over £40,000 to local and national charities.

Our people

We put employee engagement at the centre of our organisation. We continually capture staff feedback to drive change and innovation across the workforce.

What we've achieved so far

Award criteria

As part of our buying exercise, we give high award criteria of 10.5% for social value

Catalogues

Reduced our paper catalogues, using 234,204 tonnes less of paper in 2022 compared to 2021

Contracts

Contract templates have been updated to include social value at key decision-making points and encourage buyers to consider social value outcomes right at the start of the buying exercise

Go4Growth

We’ve partnered with Go4Growth to increase our engagement and participation with SMEs

ISO14001

ISO14001 accreditation, the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system

Products

Over 600 products highlighted with environmentally Friendly credentials in the catalogue

More on what we do

Employees are recognised throughout the year for their hard work and commitment, long service, staff suggestions and for their contribution to living our values in their everyday roles. Our annual staff event ensures all employees have a chance to meet and network with one another and celebrate our individual and team achievements. The health and wellbeing of our staff is paramount. While we have office-based staff, a large percentage of our staff are on the road making deliveries, visiting customers or working physical roles within our two warehouses. We run wellbeing days every year to make sure we maintain a happy and healthy workforce.

We have a great apprenticeship programme and 80% of our apprentices so far have secured a permanent position. Occasionally we have returned or damaged stock that can’t be re-sold. However, we never waste goods that can be used; such items are used in-house or donated to local charities that can make use of them. As a leading employer in the city, supplying products and services to the public sector, we recognise our role in creating inclusive environments and learning opportunities. That’s why we’re proud to be the main sponsor of Wakefield Pride.

Climate change strategy

This strategy details our road map to net zero in support of the UK’s commitment to reach net zero. We commit to reducing our carbon emissions by 50% by 2030

From the blog

Take a look at some of our blogs linked to our themes, you can find more on our blog page by filtering through the tags.

Helping you buy better for the planet

Shop our range of over 600 handpicked eco friendly products that are easier on the environment.

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Joining forces with NSPCC

In 2022 we donated £32,987.12 from the sales of our own YPO branded products to support the work of the NSPCC. By buying YPO branded products you're helping to support the NSPCC from 2022-2024.

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What we've achieved so far