Liberata Social Value
Background
Liberata has a 10-year contract with Swindon Borough Council to modernise and enhance key council services. As part of this agreement, we committed to delivering social value initiatives that benefit Swindon residents.
Recognising the importance of local knowledge and expertise, and the need to ensure funding reached the right people and areas, we approached Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation (WSCF) in late 2024 to support the shaping and managing of their social value commitments.
Developing the vision
At the outset of the contract, we shared a range of suggestions to demonstrate our commitment to delivering community benefit in Swindon. These ideas laid the groundwork for collaborative discussions with partners to determine the most effective approach.
Rather than adopting a fixed approach, we worked closely with the WSCF and Council to explore how the funding could be used most effectively. This resulted in a focused and sustainable model that utilised the WSCF’s established grant-making infrastructure. It provided clear structure, measurable outcomes and targeted support where it was most needed, while remaining true to the original vision.
Building the partnership
The partnership brought together the strengths of all three organisations and was rooted in a shared commitment to improving lives in Swindon:
- Liberata – committed to delivering tangible community benefit as part of its contract with the Council
- Swindon Borough Council – providing strategic oversight and a strong understanding of local priorities
- Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation – contributing deep community insight, strong local networks, and a proven track record in effective grant-making
In late 2024, all three partners agreed to establish a flow-through fund, managed by the Foundation, to distribute £23,400 annually in targeted grants to support Swindon residents.
Agreed focus areas
Guided by the WSCF’s Local Needs Analysis and existing successful delivery models, the Liberata Social Value Fund prioritises three key themes:
- Health and wellbeing – tackling issues including social isolation and supporting physical and mental health.
- Financial wellbeing – offering access to debt advice and financial education.
- Education – funding university bursaries and vocational training for disadvantaged young people.
Programme structure
Funding is being distributed through three of the WSCF’s established grant programmes. These programmes respond to local needs and priorities by directing funding to individuals, small charities, and grassroots community groups, helping to address pressing issues and build stronger, more resilient communities.
- University Bursaries: £1,600 per academic year for degree-level students.
- Vocational Grants: for 14–24-year-olds pursuing non-academic training or qualifications.
- Community Grants: up to £5,000 per year for grassroots voluntary and community groups.
The first round of funding was delivered within just one month of receiving funds in December 2024.
Impact and outcomes
By January 2025, £21,060 had been awarded through 20 grants supporting individuals and community projects across Swindon:
- 10 University Bursaries – £8,000
- 3 Vocational Grants – £2,548
- 7 Community Grants – £10,512
WSCF retained 10% to cover essential administration, grant distribution, monitoring, and reporting costs. Project delivery is ongoing, with the first full year of activity scheduled for completion in January 2026 and annual funding planned through to 2035.
Case studies: stories of impact
J – University Bursary Recipient (£800 contribution from Liberata towards a total grant of £4,800 — £1,600 per study year)
A 17-year-old from Swindon, J is studying Paramedic Science. With both parents reliant on benefits, the bursary supports cost of living and travel expenses. Volunteering at a regional hospital inspired her chosen career path.
A – Vocational Grant Recipient (£810 contribution from Liberata towards a total grant of £1,000)
A 15-year-old from a low-income single-parent household, A received a grant for essential study equipment to support her education and mental health needs. She aspires to become a counsellor or psychiatrist and is actively involved in youth-led media initiatives.
Willows Counselling Service – Community Grant (£1,600 contribution from Liberata towards a total grant of £15,000)
This Swindon-based charity supports adults facing mental health challenges and trauma. The funding is helping cover core operational costs, enabling affordable counselling sessions and training for future practitioners in one of Swindon’s most deprived areas.
A partnership with long-term impact
Through its partnership with WSCF, Liberata has not only met its social value commitments to Swindon Borough Council but has also delivered tangible, measurable benefits to individuals and organisations across the borough.
This model shows how private, public, and charitable sectors can work together to address local needs, strengthen communities, and create lasting social value.
“The collaborative model developed with Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation and our client, Swindon Borough Council, reflects the approach we bring to all our Social Value commitments at Liberata. We prioritise listening to our clients, understanding their social value goals, and delivering them in partnership with trusted community organisations who know their local areas and can make the right connections to achieve real impact.”
Andy Norris, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Liberata
“Through meaningful strategic conversations, we have been able to make a real difference on the ground to local people. All three partners share the same goal of improving lives and working at the heart of communities; this shared endeavour has led us to use creative thinking and a flexible approach to invest in and benefit those who need it most. I look forward to our continued work together”
Helena Robinson, Director for Integrated Communities and Partnerships, Swindon Borough Council
“This is a powerful example of how true partnership across sectors can drive meaningful, lasting change. By working with Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation, Liberata has turned a contractual obligation into a catalyst for social impact—proving that when business, government, and charity unite with purpose, we can help communities and individuals to thrive.”
Fiona Oliver, Joint Chief Executive, Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation
