Social Value

Procurement with Principles

A Responsible Business

At Barkers we believe that it is imperative to deliver significant, long-term value to our clients, but also to facilitate social value in the communities in which we live and work. We’re proud to be Social Enterprise UK members and are committed to delivering £2m in social value annually.

We do this through:

The creation of our social enterprise, Lifescape.
Active board level involvement with organisations including the Bolton Family, the Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network and Jobs, Friends and Houses, an organisation which supports individuals recovering from addiction.
Offering free professional advice to the charities we work with both independently and at the request of clients.
Supporting our clients to embed social value into their procurement practices in a sustainable way.
Influencing and guiding the procurement sector through guest speaking roles which encourage a commitment to the delivery of social value.
A pledge that our recruitment will be focused on talent and that opportunities will be accessible to all.

Industry Recognition

We are proud to have won three national awards in recognition of our focus on social value.

“Barkers have consistently and demonstrably met and exceeded their ambitious targets for social value impact in their community” Judging Panel, 2021 National Social Value Awards.

“Barkers and Bolton Family are a compelling example of people coming together from right across the community, with passion, authenticity and trust.” Judging Panel, 2019 BiTC Awards.

Best Contribution to the Reputation of the Profession Award Winners

LifeScape – Our Social Enterprise

In 2018 we created LifeScape, a grounds maintenance business supporting groups of excluded workers – from ex-offenders to those leaving care or the armed forces and the long-term unemployed – in the North West.

LifeScape work on projects for businesses and organisations which rejuvenate their surroundings. From graffiti removal and litter picking, to hedge trimming and grounds maintenance. And many more services inbetween.

At LifeScape, we teach all our employees skills and trades, and introduce them to environments through which they can learn how best to function as part of a team and develop as individuals.

Whilst the capital investment in depots, vans, buildings and equipment has been significant, the investment of time from Barkers staff has been massive. The senior management team have personally dedicated many 100s of days into the development of LifeScape.

All monies that are generated from our projects are re-invested into the people who bring them to life.

Principles in Action

Integrity is one of our core values and we pride ourselves in being honest, open and fair. As a business our team come from all walks of life and we passionately believe that everyone has a positive contribution to make. We’re proud to have committed to:

Increasing opportunities for people with convictions to compete for jobs.

Ensuring members of the Armed Forces have the same opportunities as others.

Certified Disability Confident employer, supporting disabled colleagues.

Contact us to find out more about our Social Value work

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