The best procurement decisions create more than savings and compliance. Discover how Procurement Hub's partnership with Guide Dogs helped change a life through social value in procurement.
Social impact is embedded into everything we do. As part of Places for People, we reinvest into initiatives that improve lives and support communities across the UK.
One of the most rewarding examples of this commitment has been our partnership with Guide Dogs and the journey of a remarkable puppy called Dobby.
Over the past two years, we've had the privilege of following Dobby's journey from an energetic puppy to a fully qualified Guide Dog. Along the way, we've witnessed first-hand the impact that social value can have when organisations choose procurement partners committed to making a difference.
Today, Dobby is supporting her owner in the North West, helping them live with greater independence and confidence. Her story is a powerful reminder that procurement can create positive outcomes far beyond the contract itself.
What Social Value in Procurement Means at Procurement Hub
Social value in procurement creates opportunities and strengthens Communities. Whilst achieving commercial outcomes remains important, procurement can also be a powerful force for good.
As part of Places for People, one of the UK's leading social enterprises, rather than focusing on shareholder returns, we prioritise creating positive social impact and reinvesting in charitable initiatives.
Through our social value fund, we work to ensure that the procurement solutions we provide deliver meaningful benefits beyond the contract itself.
Our ongoing partnership with Guide Dogs is one example of how we put these principles into action.
Meet Dobby: The Puppy Named Through Our Social Value Fund
In 2024, through our support of Guide Dogs, we had the privilege of naming a puppy called Dobby.
At the start of her journey, Dobby was settling into life with her Puppy Raiser, Natalie, learning basic skills, exploring the world around her and building the foundations that would prepare her for the future.
Like all Guide Dogs puppies, Dobby's path would be unique. While nobody knew exactly where her journey would lead, one thing was certain: thanks to the support of organisations and individuals committed to social value, she had every opportunity to succeed.
Over the months that followed, we received regular "pupdates" documenting her progress and sharing the moments that made Dobby so special.
"When we first met Dobby, we didn't know where her journey would lead. Today, she's helping someone live with greater independence and confidence."
Following Dobby's Journey
From the very beginning, Dobby's personality shone through.
Natalie described her as "adorable, curious and funny", and it quickly became clear that Dobby approached every new experience with enthusiasm. Whether she was playing with her favourite purple octopus toy, exploring the seaside or showing off her playful energy in the garden, she brought joy to everyone around her.
As Dobby grew, so did her confidence.
She successfully adapted to long car journeys, explored new environments and developed the skills needed to remain calm and focused in a variety of situations. Natalie spoke proudly about Dobby's progress, particularly her growing maturity and ability to cope with new experiences.
One memorable update highlighted Dobby's gentle nature around children and other animals, including Leo the cat, who she patiently tried to befriend despite his occasional reluctance.
Dobby also became a familiar face to the Procurement Hub team when she visited our office, giving colleagues the opportunity to meet the puppy whose journey they had been following so closely.
Preparing for the Next Big Step
As Dobby matured, her training became more advanced.
She continued to develop confidence on public transport, improve her focus in busy environments and build the skills that would prepare her for guide dog training school.
Natalie described Dobby as "happy, friendly and confident" and later as "chilled, eager and happy" – qualities that would serve her well as she approached the next stage of her development.
By late 2025, Dobby was ready to move on from puppy raising and begin formal Guide Dog training, affectionately known by many as heading to "big school".
It was a significant milestone and a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in her journey.
From Puppy to Qualified Guide Dog
After progressing through Guide Dog training school, Dobby continued to impress her trainers with both her intelligence and temperament.
Her trainer, Jessica, described her as:
"A bright and capable guide who's able to walk confidently in all environments."
In June 2026, we received the news we had all been hoping for.
Dobby had officially qualified as a Guide Dog.
Even more excitingly, she had been successfully matched with her new owner, Jessica, and together they completed their training and qualified as a new partnership.
According to her trainer, Dobby settled quickly into her new home and formed a close bond with her owner from the very beginning.
For everyone who had followed her journey, it was a proud and emotional moment.
The Real Impact of Social Value
Dobby's story is a powerful reminder that social value is more than a procurement objective.
It is about creating real outcomes that improve people's lives.
Every donation made through partnerships like Guide Dogs helps support the breeding, training and development of life-changing dogs that provide independence, confidence and freedom for people living with sight loss.
Through our Social Value Fund and wider community investment initiatives, Procurement Hub is committed to helping create these meaningful outcomes.
While procurement is often associated with frameworks, contracts and compliance, stories like Dobby's demonstrate the wider impact that responsible procurement can achieve.
Why Social Value Matters in Procurement
The importance of social value in procurement continues to grow across both the public and private sectors.
Organisations are increasingly seeking ways to maximise the positive impact of their spending and align procurement activity with wider social, environmental and community goals.
The Procurement Act has further strengthened the focus on delivering broader public benefits alongside value for money, encouraging organisations to consider how procurement decisions can contribute to long-term outcomes.
At Procurement Hub, we believe social value should be embedded throughout the procurement process, helping organisations achieve both commercial success and meaningful community impact.
A Life Changed
When we first met Dobby, she was a playful puppy with an exciting future ahead of her.
Today, she is a qualified Guide Dog supporting her owner in the North West and helping them live the life they choose.
While our updates on Dobby's journey have come to a natural close, her story is only just beginning.
For us, she represents everything that social value in procurement can achieve when people, organisations and communities work together towards a common purpose.
We would like to thank Guide Dogs, Dobby's Puppy Raiser Natalie, her trainers and everyone involved in helping her become the incredible Guide Dog she is today.
Most importantly, we would like to thank our members, clients and partners whose support helps make initiatives like this possible.
Dobby's journey may have started with a name, but it has ended with a life changed.
