A report was provided which outlined the importance of inclusivity and achieving greater societal value as an integral element of the growth programme.  Inclusion was one of the three pillars of the economic plan, seeking to grow the economy of South Yorkshire, but in a more inclusive and sustainable way.  Work was commencing on the inclusivity pillar following the publication of the Strategic Economic Plan and the Renewal Action Plan.  The report sought the engagement of LEP Board Members to discuss and consider elements of the Inclusion Plan and social value outcomes which could be the focus for this work.

Members noted the comments received from N Brewster.  Whilst he welcomed the paper, he considered that the report appeared to be centred around improving social value for private businesses when receiving public funding.  He highlighted the need to progress the work on social value to provide the same challenge to improve social value and thinking across public sector organisations within South Yorkshire.  He welcomed the work being extended across all of the local authorities in South Yorkshire.

F Kumi-Ampofo agreed with the comments received from N Brewster, and he referred to the steer required from the Board.  He suggested that focus could be given to the actions that could be taken by the constitutions and partners both in tandem and together for consistency.

K Josephs referred to the work undertaken within SCC and Sheffield institutions which included the Ethical Procurement Policy and the approach taken over recent years to the foundation wage employer.  She considered that SCC could work more openly with the MCA around the planned work and the work that had been undertaken.  She considered that this was a good opportunity to make a connection with the work on safer value businesses.

J Muir welcomed the points raised by K Josephs.  He considered that South Yorkshire had a high level of incidents from an employer perspective i.e. zero hours contracts from both the private and public sector.  There was a need to consider the matter from a cross sectoral approach.

C Travers was encouraged to observe the direction of travel outlined within the report.  She considered that focus should be given to the social outcomes rather than the social values, which had very defined legislative depths and issues.  She considered that accessibility was a key driver behind disadvantages i.e. accessibility to amenities, jobs, education, health care and recreation etc.  In relation to charters and contracts with employers, she considered that focus should be given to the legacy.

Professor Husbands was very supportive of the report.  He highlighted the importance to measure together the inclusion and growth.

J Muir endorsed Professor Husbands’ comments.  He considered that it was necessary to end up with a set of metrics which delivered on inclusive growth rather than individual pieces whilst being pragmatic and implementable.  He made an appeal to Members to pay attention to the consultative process across the Board, to ensure that there was input in the shaping of the document.

RESOLVED – That Members reviewed the content of the report and shared their priorities for the scope of the Inclusion Plan and Social Value outcomes, to aid the next phase of detailed development.