Matching Values
Between Individuals & Organisations
Our aim to enable individuals and organisations to buy all their needs from suppliers that are pursuing a social mission.
To achieve this, we need to make sure that we can not only identify others who share our Values, but in particular for organisations, that they have embedded their purpose and Values into their operations.
For an organisation to effectively embed its Values, these Values will need to connect with the people who are affected by an organisation’s actions. But also, most importantly, the Values need to resonate with the people who determine how an organisation ‘thinks, plans and acts’.
By this we mean the organisation’s employees, volunteers, investors, donors, owners, any people that it represents such as clients and voters, its suppliers, customers, consumers, any regulators and others within society at large. These people and organisations are often called stakeholders.
Likewise, stakeholders can influence the activities of organisations by acting in accordance with their Values to decide which organisation to work for, buy from, supply to, donate to, invest in and vote for.
Below we map our individual Values to organisational Values, to show how individuals and organisations can form connections based on their Values.
For Individuals
Our definition of a Value is a standard of behaviour which is objectively good or positive based on the customs, morals and laws of our societies. As such there are many Values, but your Values are those that you believe it is important to act in accordance with.
Read more: about Paul Parkes-Lewis to whom Value Match Foundation is dedicated. Here we talk about how Paul lived his life well according to the Values that were most important to him: intuitively, practically and with great grinning enthusiasm.
Which of the six Values below best express what matters most to you?
For Organisations
For the private sector, these six Values match the duties of company directors under section 172 of the Companies Act 2006.
For civil society, they also underpin the duties of trustees and accord with the thirteen charitable purposes set out in the Charity Act 2011.
For the public sector, the Values also support the achievement of duties under the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012; the Procurement Reform Act (Scotland) 2014 and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015. As well as the Public Contract Regulations in all jurisdictions, along with the Seven (Nolan) Principles of Public Life.
Read more about this mapping and how the Values apply to organisations.
If you value doing the right thing.
Acting honestly, with integrity and consideration for others.
Balancing fairly our own needs with the needs of others and honouring any commitments that we make. Having good manners and following rules of behaviour such as obeying the social distancing restrictions imposed during the pandemic.
Being accountable for our actions and calling other people and organisations to account for their actions. Responsible Action is the glue that holds society together.
Examples for younger children: telling the truth; waiting to take our turn in a game; keeping our promises and not taking things that don’t belong to us.
If you Value caring for People
Caring for People. Valuing the dignity and diversity of others. As if we want to be treated with respect ourselves, we need to treat others respectfully.
Including making sure that we all have equal rights and equality of opportunities.
Examples for younger children: Being kind to others, making sure that no-one is bullied and that we don’t leave someone out on purpose or act unfairly to make another person feel sad or lonely.
If you value learning and earning.
Self-improvement through learning, gaining skills, volunteering, working and supporting others who do, according to our abilities. So as to support ourselves, our families, to contribute to society and create opportunities for others. At the same time, not buying or using more than we need so that there are enough resources to provide for everyone, both for now and in the future.
Examples for younger children: Doing our best at school. Not being greedy. Helping other people when we can, for example raising money for a charity, teaching someone else how to do something or giving them a helping hand.
If you value the natural world.
The protection and enhancement of our planet to better sustain and respect all forms of life on earth and the diversity of the features of the natural world.
Examples for younger children: Looking after our planet and all the life on it, including animals, birds, fish and insects. Looking after our planet can be as simple as putting our litter in a bin; recycling a can or using a paper drinking straw instead of a plastic one.
If you value strength in numbers through shared activities, opinions and beliefs
Being part of a community of liked-minded others, such as a member of a local club or association.
Volunteering at a charity or community group.
Being a member of a community of faith or culture.
Taking part in a sport or hobby, or
a community of thought, including appreciation of the arts, science and human heritage.
Supporting a team, a group that campaigns on behalf of a cause that you believe in or concern that you have.
Examples for younger children: Enjoying sharing things; playing games or sports, doing activities with others. Spending time with people who believe in or like the same things that we do, such as listening to the same type of music or supporting the same football team.
If you value connecting with others
Reaching out to others. Creating empathy and understanding by sharing your beliefs and Values, listening to people and taking account of what they believe.
Socialising, networking and forming meaningful connections with others, friendships and partnerships. Bringing people together to create happiness, prosperity and to provide support in times of difficulty.
Examples for younger children: being a good friend, cheering someone up when they are sad or liking a post on social media such as Facebook or WhatsApp.
Can’t decide which three or four are the most important to you?
Coming soon – Answer the questions in ‘eValuate’, our simple quiz to help you prioritise your Values.
