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Social value and construction projects: can it be measured practically by FM clients?
Terence Lam Northumbria University
A study by Dr Terence Lam MCIOB provides a measurement framework for clients assessing social value when procuring construction projects on university estates
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Integrating social value into FM construction procurement enhances local economies, environments and communities.
However, the lack of standardised measurement metrics creates confusion and scepticism among clients, building professionals and contractors, hindering wider adoption – a challenge particularly acute in UK university estate procurements.
This research develops a practical framework for assessing social value in FM construction across UK university estates to bridge this measurement gap.
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A mixed-method design was employed to conduct empirical studies across various university estates in the UK, consisting of the following:
Qualitative case studies: Four university estate case studies initially validated four conceptual hypotheses underpinning the conceptual measurement framework
Expert review: 15 FM experts refined social value criteria, outcomes and wellbeing measures, and triangulated to validate the hypotheses and the conceptual framework.
Quantitative survey: 58 frontline procurement and sustainability managers summarised the practicality (ease of use) and importance (societal benefits) of the social value wellbeing measures embedded in the framework.
These studies successfully validated all research hypotheses, measurement framework and identified 47 distinct, measurable social outcomes across social, environmental and economic dimensions.
Practical tools
The measurement framework provides practical tools for the key stakeholders:
Project teams: Use ‘total weighted score’ (TWS) as a performance monitoring and compliance tool during the active construction phase by aggregating the weighted scores of all validated social, environmental, and economic outcomes. Also, use SROI (social return on investment) procurement selection (TWS/tendered cost) as a value-for-money metric during the tendering phase to select socially competent FM suppliers.
University clients: Use SROI appraisal (TWS/investment cost) as a cost-benefit tool during the initial feasibility phase to assess the economic and social viability of investing in new builds, large-scale refurbishments, or retrofitted facilities assets.
Contractors: By introducing clear, practical and structured social value wellbeing measures, it facilitates a transparent tendering process. Contractors are given explicit clarity on what evidence must be provided, which reduces ambiguity and improves overall bid quality.
Policymakers: Helps refine social procurement guidelines and fosters broader societal wellbeing.
