This session opens the Social Value Festival and will set the context for the week’s activities by introducing Social Value and how it can contribute social, economic and environmental benefits to our communities. A key event for anyone considering supplying goods, services or works to Essex County Council now or in the future.

Colleagues across Essex County Council and leading experts will reflect on challenges and opportunities in the region, as well the role of Local Authorities, Public Procurement, local businesses, 'anchor institutions' (large employers in the county), small businesses and Voluntary Community and Social Enterprises.

Councillor Whitbread, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Corporate Affairs will open the event. Next, we are pleased to welcome our keynote speaker Professor Chris White, the former Conservative MP and author of the Social Value Act (2012), currently Director of the Industrial Policy and Insight Centre at the Manufacturing Technology Centre and a visiting Professor of Industrial Strategy at Loughborough University. Professor Chris White will share with us the original aspirations for the Social Value Act from the outset, the progress that has been made and the opportunities he sees for local economic growth.

Samantha Butler, ECC Social Value Lead and Cabinet Office Head of Social Value Skills and Engagement about Essex County Council's approach to Social Value and the launch of the Social Value Catalogue.

In the second half of this event, we will breakout into 3 thought-provoking discussions groups. These will be led by an expert panel and then open up to questions. NB: when booking, you need to choose a ticket that includes the breakout session you would like to attend. When you login, you need to use the same name and email address. You will then be automatically transferred to that breakout group on the day. Please find below more information about each session:

Breakout session 1 - Social Value: The Opportunity for Vendors looks at the case for social value from the vendor's perspective. You'll hear from those who have done it and how. Samantha Butler, Social Value Lead, ECC. Will moderate the session. The panel speakers are:

• Dr Joshua Pritchard, Senior Policy Advisor, Public Sector Markets, CBI
• Ben Carpenter, CEO, Social Value International
• Louise Townsend, Head of Social Value and Sustainability, Morgan Sindall

Breakout session 2 - Social Value and the Climate explores how social value can help us to contribute to addressing environmental challenges. Environment is one of the Essex County Council Social Value Priorities. You'll hear from senior officers and experts in the field. Daphne White, Head Research Innovation and Sector Growth ECC, will moderate the session. The panel speakers are:

• Samantha Kennedy, Director for Environment & Climate Action, ECC
• Sarah Howard, Procurement Climate Lead, ECC
• Pradyumna Pandit, Energy, Sales and Development Managing Director, Mitie

Breakout session 3 - Social Value: Creating New jobs and Skills covers Essex County Council 'Employment, Skills and Youth' priorities and share a range of employment opportunities hearing from senior officers and practitioners their experience with inclusive and entry-level employment. Laura Lee, Head of Procurement, ECC, will moderate the session. The panel speakers are:

• Danielle Foster, Resource Delivery and Strategy Manager, ECC
• Susanne Davis, High Needs Funding & Targeted Employment Manager, Children and Young People with Disabilities Service SEND Strategy and Innovation, ECC
• Rob Brunger, Head of Inclusion and Engagement, Human Resources Department, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

We hope that you can join us for this exciting event. You may also be interested in other Social Value Festival events, focusing on different sectors and priorities.