This policy brief argues that social value must be reclaimed as a driver of system change rather than reduced to compliance exercises. It outlines a stewardship approach across three dimensions – procurement, governance, and community voice – demonstrating how public spending can serve as anchor investment, align decision-making around a shared purpose, and empower citizens as equal partners in shaping priorities. By reframing social value as system stewardship, the brief outlines how institutions can reduce inequalities and renew trust with communities.
“Reclaiming social value as stewardship means treating public spending not as a compliance exercise but as an investment in trust, collaboration, and shared missions.”
Mark Swift – Founder & CEO, Wellbeing Enterprises CIC
Policymakers, commissioners, and civic leaders should reclaim social value as stewardship–embedding it in procurement, governance, and community participation. This means designing contracts as anchor investments, aligning public spending with shared missions such as health equity and net zero, and resourcing citizens to shape decisions as equal partners.
Meet the Author
Mark Swift
Mark Swift is a serial social entrepreneur who has championed community-centred approaches to health and wellbeing for more than two decades. As the Founder and CEO of Wellbeing Enterprises, he has built one of the UK’s leading organisations in this field, pioneering innovative models that empower people and communities to take charge of their own wellbeing.
A recognised thought leader and Ashoka Fellow, Mark’s work sits at the intersection of community power and system change – creating the conditions for citizens to lead, shape, and sustain thriving communities. He is also a Fellow of the Local Policy Innovation Partnership at City-REDI, University of Birmingham, and of the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place at the University of Liverpool.