Published: 05 January 2026
From: Community
Crawley Borough Council has unveiled its updated Sustainable Procurement and Social Value Charter, reinforcing its commitment to using purchasing power to deliver tangible benefits for the community, the economy, and the environment.
First introduced in 2020, the original Social Value Charter has already achieved significant outcomes, including the creation of apprenticeships and training opportunities, graduate and industrial placements for local students, and hands-on experiences such as the ‘Open Doors at Crawley College’ initiative. The council has also supported STEM in the Park events, delivered digital and industry-led workshops to young people, and facilitated volunteering projects and Junior Citizen events to equip pupils with essential life skills.
The new charter builds on these successes by providing a clear framework for suppliers, making it easier to understand and deliver social value. It consolidates ambitions to hold more business, employment, and skills initiatives that benefit local residents, particularly young people. The charter aligns with the council’s Corporate Priorities (2025 to 2028) and embeds commitments from the council’s Climate and Nature Emergency Declaration.
By using the value of our contracts with external organisations to achieve our objectives as a council, such as improving skills, protecting nature and delivering on our sustainability agenda, we unlock so many benefits for our communities. Recently, I was fortunate to attend a tour with college students of the old town hall demolition site. The visit was a part of the demolition company’s social value contract and really demonstrated how important these schemes are to provide apprenticeships and inspire young people to get into work. I really welcome this new charter to continue to provide this range of support across the borough.
Councillor Michael Jones
Leader of Crawley Borough Council
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