Social Value
Social Value isn't an add-on. It's part of your bid strategy.
Turning Social Value Into a Real Strategy
Social Value has become an increasingly important part of public sector procurement – and expectations are continuing to rise.
For bidders, this means moving beyond generic commitments and last-minute responses. Buyers increasingly want to see Social Value that is relevant, measurable, proportionate and deliverable, supported by clear commitments and credible evidence.
At Bid Advisory, we help organisations turn Social Value from a bid requirement into a structured approach that strengthens tender responses, supports delivery and reduces the risk of making commitments you can't evidence or achieve.
From reactive responses to a Social Value strategy.
Authorities Social Value Requirements
The specific social value outcomes, priorities and expectations set by the authority for the contract.
Authorities Social Value Policy
The authority's wider social value policy, objectives and strategic priorities.
Social Value Offering
A tailored, measurable and deliverable social value offering aligned to the authority's requirements and policy.
Relevance Starts with the Authority
A strong Social Value offer should start with the authority. Not the supplier.
While previous initiatives, partnerships and commitments can provide useful experience and evidence, simply repeating what you've done before risks creating a square peg, round hole approach.
Each authority will have its own Social Value policy, local priorities and specific requirements for the contract, and your offering should be shaped around these. By understanding what matters to the authority first, you can develop initiatives that are relevant, measurable and deliverable.
Social Value Regulation: A Timeline
Although Social Value has been a requirement since 2012, the Procurement Act of 2023 (which came into play in February 2025) pulled it into the limelight. However, there have been recent reforms which are to be implemented from January 1st 2027. Although more indepth guidance will be available in Autumn 2026, take a look below for the key elements to know...
Higher weighting
For relevant central government contracts worth £5 million or more, Social Value weighting is increasing from 10% to 20%
Greater focus on outcomes
It's no longer enough to simply describe what you could do. Buyers increasingly want specific commitments, measures and evidence.
More accountability
Mandatory performance indicators and annual reporting will put greater emphasis on whether Social Value commitments are actually delivered.
A more targeted approach
The revised Social Value Model places increased emphasis on areas including local employment, skills shortages, apprenticeships, meaningful work experience and supporting people who face barriers to employment.
The implication for bidders?
Your Social Value offer needs to be considered before the tender lands – not when you reach the Social Value question.
Social Value
Throughout the bid lifecycle
Social Value shouldn’t begin and end with the Social Value question. The strongest approach considers it throughout the entire bid lifecycle – from understanding buyer priorities and qualifying the opportunity, through to developing credible commitments, evidencing delivery and capturing outcomes after award. This creates a more joined-up approach where Social Value is relevant, measurable, deliverable and aligned to the wider bid strategy.
Before the Bid
Understand buyer priorities, research local needs, build your evidence base and identify potential Social Value opportunities.
During Qualification
Consider the cost, resource and deliverability of Social Value before committing to the opportunity.
During Bid Strategy
Align Social Value with buyer priorities, your win themes and the wider solution.
During Writing
Turn commitments into specific, measurable and evidenced responses.
Before Submission
Challenge commitments for credibility, measurability and deliverability.
After Award
Track delivery, capture evidence and turn successful outcomes into stronger evidence for future bids.
Common Social Value Questions
At Bid Advisory Ltd, we support customers with Social Value every day. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, with our guidance.
What is Social Value?
At its core, social value is about creating positive economic, environmental and social outcomes through the goods and services that organisations procure and deliver.
Social Value vs Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
CSR is often a voluntary internal framework that focuses on an organisation's ethical and charitable activities, whereas social value is about creating measurable benefits through everyday business operations and decision-making that is specific to the contract/geographic area. Social value is now mandated in all public sector tendering opportunities.
Can Social Value Be Measured?
Yes, and it should. Organisations can/should measure social value using a variety of frameworks, indicators, and reporting methods to demonstrate the outcomes and impact of their activities. Social Value is likely now a KPI of the contract, and therefore organisations need to measure social value to ensure it's not only being fulfilled but there is a positive impact.
Do Small Organisations Need to Fulfil Social Value?
Yes. Organisations of all sizes need to fulfil social value requirements for public sector contracts. Although SMEs may feel like large organisations have an advantage, there are many initiatives SMEs can introduce and fulfil successfully. It's important to think about what you offer as a company, and how you weave this into initiatives to keep costs down.
Can We Reuse Social Value Initiatives?
It is not recommended that you simply take initiatives from one contract and put them against a new contract. Different contracts and authorities will have different requirements and needs. For example, a free printing service for multiple language charity leaflets may be the right initiative in a city with a large multi-lingual demographic, but may not add value in a more rural area with less diversity. You can of course use previous examples to show how your initiative has previously added value, but don't simply copy and paste.
Who Is Responsible for Delivering Social Value?
The company as a whole. Social value is most effective when it is embedded across the organisation, with leadership, employees, suppliers, and stakeholders all contributing to its delivery.
What Types of Activities Create Social Value?
Social Value can include creating employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, reducing environmental impact, promoting equality and inclusion, volunteering, and investing in community initiatives. Some specific examples include: donating old IT equipment to charities, e.g. children's support programmes or unemployed individuals; letting an organisation use a meeting room; providing training hours to a college; upskilling organisations; or supporting a local club financially.
How Do Organisations Get Started with Social Value?
The first step is to understand the needs of purchasing authorities and communities, identify where the organisation can make a positive impact, and develop realistic, measurable objectives that align with business goals. Get stakeholder input from the top down, and don't be afraid to think outside the box (remember not to just copy and paste initiatives). If you think you need support, reach out to our social value expert.
Support to Suit Every Need
At Bid Advisory, we know that identifying Social Value can be incredibly hard for organisations of all sizes. Therefore, we have some support options to suit every need.
Social Value Healthcheck
Understand where you are today, identify gaps and develop a more structured and commercially effective approach.
Social Value Strategy
Develop commitments, measures, governance and evidence that can be adapted across future opportunities.
Bid Support
Support your team in developing compelling, contract-specific Social Value responses.
Training & Masterclasses
Give your team the knowledge and practical tools to approach Social Value with greater confidence.