Exploring How to Deliver Meaningful Social Value
10th February 2026
From Policy to People: IICF ESG Breakfast Briefing Explores How to Deliver Meaningful Social Value
Leaders from teams including HR, procurement and sustainability came together on 3 February 2026 for a thought-provoking ESG Breakfast Briefing hosted by Weightmans and organised by the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF). The session, led by Weightmans’ Head of ESG Abhay Srivastava, focused on how businesses can drive social value, innovation and economic growth in line with the Government’s policy objectives.
Turning legislation into lived impact
A central theme of the discussion was the opportunity created by the Procurement Act 2023 and the refreshed National Procurement Policy Statement. Speakers agreed that while the legislation provides a valuable framework for social value, policy alone is not enough. Companies must actively embed these principles into their operations to help reduce inequalities and support underserved communities.
Panellists highlighted the unique role that social enterprises can play in connecting people, profits, purpose – and the planet. By partnering with these organisations, businesses can create sustainable social value while also strengthening local supply chains and community relationships.
Practical steps for business
The interactive session examined how organisations can improve access to markets for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and move from high-level strategy to measurable outcomes. Speakers shared best practice on how to deliver, measure and report on social value across the three areas outlined in government guidance:
- Economic – such as creating employment and training opportunities
- Social – insurance products and programme that help build cohesive and resilient communities
- Environmental – initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and protect biodiversity
Expert perspectives
The panel brought together a diverse range of expertise:
- Henry Wright, Founder of Bright Tide, who works with corporates to deliver climate, biodiversity and CSR programmes through innovative partnerships.
- Deepak Parmar, Principal Associate at Weightmans, a commercial lawyer specialising in procurement law and public sector contracts.
- Nerina Wright, former Head of Sustainability at Crowe UK, with deep experience advising insurance sector clients on turning ESG ambition into practical business change.
- Sarah-Jane Bolous, recently appointed to Humanity Insured from EY, where she led ESG within Forensics and Integrity Services and previously developed Lego’s global Partner Integrity function.
Join the growing IICF community driving social value across our industry. View upcoming events and be part of the next conversation.
