Guest blog by Alice Durand, Purpose Delivery Lead at Opencast #techUKSocialValueWeek
Alice Durand
Purpose Delivery Lead, Opencast
When it comes to delivering greater social impact, it’s not just about doing good work – it’s about setting a higher standard for the tech sector overall. Alice Durand, Purpose Delivery Lead at independent tech consultancy Opencast, explains.
At Opencast, we believe that social impact happens when we put our resources where they make the biggest difference. For us, it’s not just about doing good work – it’s a matter of trying to encourage a higher standard for tech companies everywhere.
We want to help change the way people think about what ‘developing tech for good’ really means, ensuring that every government investment in technology leads to positive outcomes for people, communities and the planet.
Since the launch in 2020 of the government’s social value model, our biggest opportunity has been the chance to work more closely with our public sector clients to define what positive change looks like. While there’s still work to be done to maximise the benefits of the policy, we believe the social value model – and the increasing focus on reporting social impact – are positive steps towards making our industry more sustainable.
The way Opencast creates social value is just as important as what we do. It’s about who we are and how we work. We push ourselves to infuse purpose and impact into all we do – every conversation, every design and every line of code. It’s about placing the bar as high as we can.
We’re proud of this approach. It makes us stand out and it shows in our public sector engagements and wider social impact initiatives. Our people take the time to understand the communities we’re working with – their strengths, challenges and needs.
These initiatives allow us to deepen our relationships with broader community stakeholders – such as local authorities, non-profits, purpose-driven SMEs, funders, tech for good networks, schools and further education organisations. One good example of this in action is a recent pro bono project with social impact investor The Fore.
The beauty of doing social value in this way is that all these spaces are interconnected. They each help us make sense of the bigger picture and act in a systemic way.
Putting the value in social value commitments
This approach fundamentally informs how we respond to social value questions from our clients. We seek to align our social value proposals with both our vision for change and the goals of public sector, using the social value model as a framework to understand our common goals.
One example is our extensive social value programme with DWP and the Department for Education, where we provide career support activities, pro bono projects and volunteering initiatives designed to help people enter the workforce.
Challenges and opportunities
One of the biggest challenges we face is prioritising deep impact over volume. As a smaller company, it can sometimes be tricky to respond to the wide range of social value requests we get. It’s not about doing everything, it’s about doing what will make the most meaningful impact.
We must carefully choose where to pool our resources, ensuring that we’re working on projects that align with our purpose. Social value isn’t about quick wins – it’s about long-term action, and we’re committed to that.
There’s been a growing focus on employment and skills in social value discussions, which is great news. Tech companies have a real opportunity to help upskill people and create pathways for sustainable careers. This is something we’re passionate about, especially given the increasing demand for digital skills in nearly every sector.
There haven’t been as many questions around NetZero and climate change in recent tenders. We see this as an opportunity to bring these important issues back into the conversation and propose projects that address climate challenges.
As we continue to grow, we’re excited to be part of these important conversations and share our insights on how the tech sector can contribute to a more sustainable and impactful future.
If you’re interested in exchanging thoughts, collaborating or learning more about what we do, get in touch.
Unlocking Government Procurement for Tech SMEs - Addressing Social Value Challenges
We're excited to share our latest report, "Navigating Social Value: Challenges Facing Tech SMEs in Government Procurement." This crucial study explores the real-world experiences of small and medium-sized tech enterprises (SMEs) as they navigate the social value requirements within public sector procurement.
The techUK Central Government Programme provides a forum for government to engage with tech suppliers. We advocate for the govtech sector, evangelise tech as a solution to public sector challenges, facilitate market engagement, and help make the public sector an easier market to operate in. Visit the programme page here.
Calling Children’s Services and Education: Are you ready for the Digital Switchover?
Join techUK for a free webinar to learn more about the program and what it might mean for schools, universities and children’s services in both the private sector and those maintained by local authorities.
Join techUK for a timely webinar unpacking the recent changes to the UK Government’s Social Value Model and the introduction of a mission-led approach to public procurement.
Do you have a trailblazer in your team?
Do you work with an innovator or a problem solver?
Do you have an inspirational colleague who deserves the spotlight for their work? The President’s Awards are back for 2025 and open for nominations. All techUK members are encouraged to nominate one colleague.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government.
Prior to joining techUK in April 2022, Heather worked in the Economic Policy and Small States Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat. She led the organisation’s FinTech programme and worked to create an enabling environment for developing countries to take advantage of the socio-economic benefits of FinTech.
Before moving to the UK, Heather worked at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Central Bank of The Bahamas.
Heather holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from LSE, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College.
Ellie joined techUK in March 2018 as a Programme Assistant to the Public Sector team and now works as a Programme Manager for the Central Government Programme.
The programme represents the supplier community of technology products and services in Central Government – in summary working to make Government a more informed buyer, increasing supplier visibility in order to improve their chances of supplying to Government Departments, and fostering better engagement between the public sector and industry. To find out more about what we do, how we do this and how you can get involved – make sure to get in touch!
Prior to joining techUK, Ellie completed Sixth Form in June 2015 and went on to work in Waitrose, moved on swiftly to walking dogs and finally, got an office job working for a small local business in North London, where she lives with her family and their two Bengal cats Kai and Nova.
When she isn’t working Ellie likes to spend time with her family and friends, her cats, and enjoys volunteering for diabetes charities. She has a keen interest in writing, escaping with a good book and expanding her knowledge watching far too many quiz shows!
Junior Programme Manager - Central Government, techUK
Charles Bauman
Junior Programme Manager - Central Government, techUK
Charles Bauman is a Junior Programme Manager in the Central Government Programme at techUK.
He supports the programme’s mission to represent the technology supplier community to the UK government and advocate for digital innovation to address public sector challenges. Charles helps facilitate market engagement, foster partnerships, and ensure that tech suppliers and the government work collaboratively to improve outcomes, deliver value for money, and enhance public services for citizens.
Before joining techUK, Charles gained significant experience in research, analysis, and strategic advisory roles. At H/Advisors Cicero, he specialised in public affairs and corporate communications, while at Verdantix, he supported sustainability research and advisory projects, focusing on regulatory and environmental challenges.
Charles holds an MSc in Theory and History of International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and an MA in Medieval History from King’s College London.
Charles enjoys volunteering with a think tank, reading, hiking, and spending time with his dog and family outside of work.
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy Modha
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
