Social Value Report | Free Guide

Social Value: From Tender Promise to Contract Delivery

Social value commitments can help win public sector contracts, but they also create responsibilities after award. Our free guide explains the changing social value requirements, how to prepare stronger tender responses and how to plan, deliver and evidence your commitments. Explore the key findings below, then request your copy of the full 35-page report using the enquiry form. Simply include Social Value Report in your message and our team will email you a copy.

Why social value needs to go beyond the tender response

Social value has become an increasingly important part of public sector tendering. For suppliers, demonstrating how a contract will contribute to employment, skills development and wider community outcomes can help strengthen a competitive bid. However, a convincing written response is only one part of the challenge.

Once a social value commitment has been accepted, it may influence contract mobilisation, workforce planning, partnerships, delivery costs and ongoing performance reporting. Promises made during tendering need to be realistic, measurable and supported by the people responsible for delivering them.

This is the central message of Thornton & Lowe's Social Value: From Tender Promise to Contract Delivery report. Drawing on practical bid writing and procurement experience, it examines how suppliers can connect buyer requirements with credible commitments, develop stronger tender responses and establish appropriate processes for delivery after contract award.

The guide also explores the changes taking effect in 2027 under the new central government Social Value Model, alongside practical approaches that remain relevant to other public sector buyers.

What changes for social value in 2027?

From 1 January 2027, the new Social Value Model under PPN 026 will apply to qualifying central government procurements commenced on or after that date. The model focuses on two outcomes: good jobs and skills, with greater emphasis on the commitments suppliers make and how these are delivered and evidenced.

For suppliers, this means social value should be considered from the earliest stages of bid preparation. Commitments need to reflect the buyer's requirements, be achievable within the contract and have clear arrangements for monitoring performance.

The new model does not automatically apply to every public sector tender. Local authorities, NHS organisations and housing providers may follow different social value policies and evaluation approaches. Suppliers should always check the requirements of the individual procurement.

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10%

Minimum weighting

Qualifying central government procurements from £1m to below £5m.

20%

Minimum weighting

Qualifying central government procurements of £5m and above.

1 KPI

At least one social value KPI

For qualifying central government contracts of £5m and above.

These requirements apply to procurements within the scope of PPN 026. Contract values include VAT, and the relevant thresholds and evaluation arrangements depend on the buyer and procurement.

What's included in the full report?

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Thornton & Lowe's 35-page report combines guidance on the changing social value requirements with practical advice for preparing, writing and delivering commitments.

Alongside policy analysis, buyer examples and a worked social value tender response, you'll find a collection of planning tools designed to help your team identify gaps, develop realistic commitments and manage them after contract award.

Social Value Readiness Check

Assess your organisation across six areas, including evidence, partnerships, commercial approval, delivery and reporting. Identify weaknesses before your next tender.

Tender Question Planning Canvas

Work through buyer outcomes, commitments, delivery responsibilities, costs and evidence before drafting your social value tender response.

90-day implementation plan

Follow a phased approach to reviewing your social value capabilities, strengthening evidence and establishing clearer delivery arrangements.

Submission and handover checks

Check that commitments are affordable, measurable and approved before submission, then confirm ownership, reporting and delivery arrangements after award.

The report also includes a worked example showing how a general social value statement can be developed into a more specific, measurable and deliverable tender response.

Social value expertise from Thornton & Lowe

At Thornton & Lowe, we help suppliers approach social value as part of a wider bid strategy, connecting buyer requirements with commitments that are relevant, achievable and supported by evidence.

Our experience spans bid writing, tender management and practical training for organisations competing for public sector contracts. We understand the importance of making social value responses clear to evaluators while ensuring that commitments can be delivered and monitored after award.

Whether you need support developing a specific response or want to strengthen your team's capabilities, our social value bid writing and social value training services can help you prepare for future opportunities.

Request your free social value report

Get the full 35-page guide, including practical planning tools, worked examples and guidance on preparing and delivering social value commitments. Complete the enquiry form above and include "Social Value Report" in your message. Our team will email you a copy.

Request the Full Social Value Report