Why connections are vital for public sector services

We’re committed to equality across sectors, so we bring our members’ voices into the limelight when advising on strategy. If you’re looking to improve the impact of social value in your procurement and commissioning, our network can deliver.

Connect & deliver locally!

We serve over 150 members from the business, non-profit and charity, education and public services sectors and this unique, cross-sector model brings organisations together for mutual benefit.

We get to know our members really well, and in doing so will connect people into your services, enabling you to build deeper connections benefiting not only your business but also the wider community of Reading.

As a member you’ll have access to our monthly events where you can build relationships and seek out new opportunities.

1
worth of skill & training
1
worth of venue space given to charities
1
worth of given items

Why become a member?

Cross-sector networking for staff

Staff can access free L&D opportunities

Reduce carbon footprint by sharing unused resources

Promote your activities across other sectors

Local advice & access to social value resources

Access team days for staff with our project support

Listen & connect across sectors on key local projects

Participate in impactful local projects

Unique partnerships for your benefit

Deals and discounts…

Social value measurement platform

Free first staff wellbeing questionnaire through the KAYA platform.

20% discount on room bookings (6 person meeting room & 12 person board room)

10% discount on music workshops for team building activities

Special discount on event bookings and meals for your team.

Find out about unused materials in our member spaces.

We collate ingo about unused materials for our members.

Ad hoc training about non-executive director roles & inclusive recruitment

Connect with their L&D platform to grow your team’s skills

Your questions answered

Connecting with businesses and charities to deliver strategic solutions for your locality is a must. We work to connect our public sector members with information, organisations and cross-sector solutions to do just this. Getting staff out into the community through cross-sector events (from learning opportunities to networking) ensures your service delivery remains connected.

From innovative solutions for service delivery to advice and information to inform planning, our cross-sector network helps build more effective, connected strategies. We can also facilitate and project manage team challenge volunteering days for your staff to boost your social impact, boosting staff morale and increasing community cohesion.

ESG is Environment, Social & Governance; formerly known as CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). ESG refers to the 3 key factors when measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of a business. Many refer to these as 3 pillars, and therefore choose to report in these areas. Many choose to report in these areas. Public sector services are required to report on social value as per Procurement Policy Note 06/20.

Our work to partner with whatimpact.com has created the first place-based version of a social value measurement platform in the UK. Working to tailor this to meet the needs of public sector services looking to record, monitor and inform strategies for current procurement and future delivery has been the driver for this partnership. Get in touch for more information about this specific aspect.

Which membership is right for me?

Annual/membership charges are based on turnover per annum.

Small,
up to £5m

£1,590 p/a

Medium,
up to £15m

£3,270 p/a

Large,
over £15m

£4,480 p/a

Your first step to becoming a member…

Sign up to become part of a community who are passionate about building a better Reading, for everyone.

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Our connections…

We joined Connect Reading and within just a month they connected us with an opportunity, delivering our first significant return on investment. They’ve linked us with local networks, and supported our journey towards Net Zero Carbon.

Alison Foster
Director for Building Berkshire Together Hospital Redevelopment Programme, Royal Berks NHS Foundation Trust