WISH South East: Debate on Social Value: Profit or Purpose?

WISH South East Event

Debate on Social Value: Profit or Purpose?

Date: Thursday 7th November

Time: 2pm - 4pm

Venue: MHS Homes, Leviathan Way, Chatham, ME4 4LL

Please note: There may be some limited parking available at the mhs offices, however there is a large Odeon Carpark next to mhs, with max 4hr stay. Nearest train stations are: Strood, Rochester and Chatham. Buses run from Strood and Chatham to Dockside (by mhs).

Join us for a thought-provoking debate at the WISH South East Event as we explore one of the most critical issues facing the housing and construction sectors today – Social Value: Profit or Purpose?

This event brings together leading voices from the industry to discuss the balance between profit and purpose in creating social value within the built environment. As organisations are increasingly challenged to prove their impact on communities and sustainability, this debate will shed light on whether businesses can truly focus on both profit and purpose or if one must take precedence over the other.

This is a unique opportunity to engage in a lively discussion, network with professionals, and gain insight into the evolving role of social value in business strategies.

Our Debate Speakers:

Hannah Gwilt – MHS Homes

Hannah is a Contracts Officer at MHS and has worked there for nearly 8 years.  She also volunteers as a Youth Worker at Emerge Advocacy and has a keen interest in youth mental health.
Hannah has just finished a Bsc in Psychology through the open university; what a great achievement!

Lisa Bliss - Head of LCP/DM, London Construction Programme 
Lisa has been with Haringey Council for 19 years, bringing extensive procurement experience across various sectors, including care, supplies and services, and construction. Since 2018, she has successfully established and led a dedicated team responsible for managing the Council's extensive portfolio of DPS systems and frameworks, ensuring seamless engagement with stakeholders and suppliers.

In addition, Lisa leads the London Construction Programme (LCP), a virtual organisation hosted by Haringey Council, serving as a one-stop shop for public sector construction procurement. The LCP facilitates the procurement of a wide range of projects, from Professional Services to Minor and Major Works schemes across London and the Home Counties.

Now, over 50 public sector organisations are benefitting from efficient, compliant procurement processes that the LCP offers. Lisa has been instrumental in leading innovation in end-to-end procurement practices which has recently been demonstrated in the launch of LCP’s Housing Framework, which takes a unique approach to Social Value, Supporting SME’s, and bringing together the Golden Thread that runs through the Gold Standard, Construction Playbook and the Framework Alliance Contract (FAC-1). 

Nicola Dibb - Solve Social Value

Nicola has been working in the housing and construction sector over 30 years for developers, contractors and housing associations in positions focused on project management, land buying, business development and bidding. She decided to capitalise on that experience and set up her own bid writing consultancy 13 years ago working for consultants and contractors tendering for public sector work. Over the last 12 months she has set up a new company called Solve Social Value – helping organisations plan, deliver and measure meaningful social value. The company has carried out numerous pilots and has several clients already. Nicola is also the Founder of WISH – Women in Social Housing.

Ebonnie Goss – MMP Consultancy
As the Associate Director of MMP Consultancy, Ebonnie brings over 12 years of experience in public sector recruitment. With a passion for ethical recruitment practices and a commitment to delivering positive societal impact, Ebonnie has a played a pivotal role in implementing strategies that align recruitment initiatives with broader social goals. She is excited to share insights and engage in thought-provoking discussions on the importance of social value in the public sector.

Lauren Kennett  - The Hill Group

Social Value and Community Manager

Lauren strives to leave a positive legacy for people and places on every project she works on. She has been with Hill for just over 2 years, delivering social value on projects in South & East London and Kent and has worked in the construction industry for the last 12 years, starting as an HR Apprentice on the Crossrail project at the age of 18, then working in social value for the last 6 years and has gained experience in rail projects, property services and housebuilding.