Explainer
Social value carries at least 10% of the marks in most central government tenders, rising to 20% for larger contracts from 2027. Here is what evaluators look for, how the model is changing and how to write answers that score.
By Christopher Fagan, Managing Partner, PEF Consulting Partners
Under PPN 002, central government buyers must give social value at least 10% of the total score on above threshold procurements. From 1 January 2027 PPN 026 replaces it: contracts of £1 million or more carry a minimum 10% weighting, rising to 20% for contracts of £5 million or more. Local authorities and NHS bodies use their own approaches, often based on the National TOMs framework or local policy.
PPN 002 organises social value around five missions: growth, clean energy, safer streets, opportunity and the NHS. PPN 026 narrows the focus to two outcomes, good jobs and skills, for procurements starting from 2027. Check which applies to each tender, because the wrong framing loses marks.
| Part | What to write |
|---|---|
| Understanding | The local or contract context and the need you will address |
| Commitment | Specific, measurable outcomes with targets and dates |
| Method | How you will deliver them: people, partners and budget |
| Evidence | Past delivery and credentials |
| Measurement | KPIs, reporting frequency and governance |
Weak: “We are committed to supporting local communities and offer apprenticeships across the business.”
Strong: “We will create two apprenticeships and four work placements for people from the contract area in year one, recruited through [named partner], each with a named mentor. We will report numbers, completions and progression to the contract manager every quarter.”
The best answers are written from a plan, not invented in the tender window. Our free social value target planner helps you set realistic commitments you can deliver and report on.
Related reading: Procurement Act 2023 thresholds and rules, the carbon reduction plan template, government and public sector, our approach to social value.
The wider economic, social and environmental benefits a supplier commits to deliver through a public contract, such as jobs, skills, apprenticeships or emissions reductions, which buyers score as part of the evaluation.
At least 10% of the total score in central government procurements under PPN 002. Under PPN 026, from 2027, at least 10% for contracts of £1 million or more and 20% for contracts of £5 million or more.
The procurement policy note published in August 2026 that replaces PPN 002 for central government procurements starting from 1 January 2027, focusing social value on good jobs and skills.
Make specific, measurable commitments tied to the contract, explain how you will deliver them and with whom, give evidence of past delivery, and set out how you will report progress.
If social value answers keep costing you marks, the fix is usually a plan with numbers behind it. We can help you build one you can reuse across bids.