How to reference Thrive and the Impact Evaluation Standard in bids

Introduction
Referencing Thrive and the Impact Evaluation Standard (IES) in bids.
Crafting competitive bid responses requires significant time and coordination across
multiple organisational stakeholders. Social value components, in particular, can pose a
challenge, even for seasoned bid professionals. To simplify this process, we've created
templated responses specifically for questions around Thrive’s measurement
frameworks and reporting tools.

We encourage you to use the suggested language in these templates when referencing
Thrive and the Impact Evaluation Standard (IES) to streamline your responses and
clearly convey Thrive’s capabilities in your overall social value response. These
templated responses should not be used in isolation to respond to social value
questions, but as supporting language when referring to Thrive.
thrive-platform.com

Template response - 500 words
Introduction
{Insert Company Name}'s approach to measuring and evaluating social value is
grounded in rigorous, evidence-based methodologies designed to capture the full
scope of impact across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. We employ a
multi-faceted framework and reporting tool that integrates both qualitative and
quantitative measures, ensuring that the full range of value created is comprehensively
captured throughout the lifespan of each project.
Measurement Framework

Our core framework for measuring social value is the Impact Evaluation Standard (IES).
This aligns with the UK government’s Green Book methodology and the Social Value
Model, providing a robust structure for quantifying social value in monetary terms. The
Impact Evaluation Standard encompasses over 125 metrics tailored to the focus areas
of our social value plans, including Skills and Apprenticeships, Community Engagement
and Volunteering, Educational Outreach, and support for underrepresented groups
(including NEETs). Additionally, it includes metrics that capture social value for
environmental initiatives, placemaking, and responsible procurement practices. The
framework is reviewed annually and remains the only one in the UK to directly monitor
market changes at their source, ensuring proxy values remain robust and traceable. This
approach enables informed, long-term tracking of developments while enhancing both
transparency and accountability.

Reporting Tool
To further strengthen the robustness, transparency, and consistency of reporting, we
employ the specialist Social Value platform, Thrive, for tracking, reporting, and managing
information across all project phases.

Thrive is well-suited to complex projects and includes the following key features:
Local Needs Analysis: Enabling us and our supply chain to assess local needs in
real-time, identifying, prioritising, and targeting social value initiatives most
relevant to the specific communities in which we operate.
thrive-platform.com

Social Value Procurement: The platform enables the seamless integration of
social value into procurement processes, ensuring it is a key factor in supplier
selection and contract management. This approach fosters responsible
procurement practices across our supply chain, embedding social value at every
stage of supplier engagement.

Automated Reporting and Dashboards: The platform offers real-time
monitoring of social value initiatives through automated dashboard reporting,
providing instant insights and enabling timely adjustments. It also allows for
customised, downloadable reports, making it easy to share progress and gather
feedback from clients, local authorities, and other key stakeholders.

Supply Chain Integration: Thrive’s integrated supply chain module streamlines
data collection, ensuring consistency and accuracy in social value reporting. By
offering a no-login submission method and simplifying the process for suppliers,
we remove barriers to engagement, improving both the quantity and quality of
reporting. Additionally, all partners receive training, promoting a unified approach
to data management.

To strengthen measurement and evaluation across the programme, we recognise that
numbers alone cannot fully capture the impact of our initiatives. Our digital tool
incorporates qualitative assessment methods, such as storytelling, case studies,
infographics, and surveys, allowing us to track social value both quantitatively and
qualitatively. This holistic approach enables us to develop a comprehensive
understanding of the programme’s long-term impact on communities. The platform's
storytelling and infographic features further enhance this by showcasing real-life
stories, bringing our impact to life and deepening stakeholder engagement.
thrive-platform.com

Template response - 200 words
Introduction
{Insert Company Name} measures and evaluates social value through a rigorous,
evidence-based framework, capturing impact across social, economic, and
environmental dimensions.

Measurement Framework
Our chosen framework, the Impact Evaluation Standard (IES), aligns with the UK
government’s Green Book and Social Value Model, encompassing over 125 metrics
focused on areas such as skills development, community engagement, environmental
initiatives, and responsible procurement. This annually reviewed framework ensures
metrics stay relevant and traceable, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Data Gathering and Reporting

We utilise the Thrive platform to streamline data collection, reporting, and management
across all project phases. Thrive’s features - Local Needs Analysis, Social Value
Procurement, Automated Dashboards, and Supply Chain Integration, enable us to
assess community needs, integrate social value in procurement, and produce real-time,
downloadable reports. This ensures our reporting is consistent, transparent, and easily
accessible for clients and stakeholders.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement
To complement quantitative data, we gather qualitative insights through storytelling,
case studies, and surveys. This comprehensive approach offers a deeper understanding
of the programme’s long-term community impact, supporting continual improvement.
Thrive’s interactive features also foster stakeholder engagement, helping us refine our
strategies and remain responsive to local needs.