Social Value Toolkit

This toolkit is designed to support heritage practitioners who need to understand the social values associated with the historic environment as part of their work. It provides practical guidance, tips, and real world examples drawn from seven case study assessments, which range from Iron Age monuments to 21st-century graffiti heritage.

 

The significance of historic places to contemporary communities, including people's sense of belonging, identity and memories, has become increasingly prominent in recent decades, reflected in international conservation instruments and domestic heritage frameworks. However, realities on the ground – of limited resources and increasing demand – have resulted in an implementation gap when it comes to incorporating social values and community knowledge into practice.

 

 

This toolkit will guide you through the process of conducting, supporting, or reviewing a social value assessment. Alternatively, you can explore a specific area of interest or one of the case studies, accessed via the main menu. The toolkit covers: rapid and participatory approaches, methods selection and analysis, social research considerations, and the opportunities and questions raised when incorporating social values into different heritage management and conservation processes.