November 2024
When GCHQ sought a strategic social value delivery partner, they required an organisation with genuine community roots, proven delivery capability and the rigour to measure and report outcomes transparently. Upturn was appointed to design and deliver a social value programme that would create lasting community benefit extending well beyond the organisation’s contractual obligations.
Working closely with GCHQ’s social value and HR teams, Upturn designed a programme targeting residents in priority community areas — including individuals furthest from employment, young people and those from underrepresented groups.
Delivery included employer-linked skills and employability sessions, community engagement activities, mentoring and networking opportunities, and a structured route into employment for participants ready to progress. All outcomes were measured against the National TOMs Social Value Framework and aligned to relevant UN SDGs.
The programme delivered measurable outcomes across employment, skills, community confidence and social cohesion — exceeding contractual social value commitments and providing GCHQ with a compelling narrative of genuine community investment for their ESG reporting.