Updated 22 October 2026. The policy references and scope have been revised. The previous universal weighting and maximum-score claims have been removed.
A useful social value response starts with the procurement documents. Do not assume every public construction buyer uses the same model, weighting or measures.
Check the applicable basis
For relevant in-scope central government procurement, check PPN 002 and the Social Value Model. The current policy basis should not be replaced with a blanket reference to the older PPN 06/20.
Local authorities, NHS bodies, housing organisations and devolved administrations may have different requirements or approaches. The actual procurement documents establish what is requested and how it will be assessed.
Build a deliverable commitment
For each requested outcome, identify the action, responsible person, delivery mechanism and evidence you can provide. Check that the commitment is relevant to the contract and practical within the scope and resources.
Illustrative structure: “For [required outcome], [responsible role] will deliver [specific action] through [mechanism]. Progress will be recorded using [agreed evidence] and reported at [required interval].”
This is a writing structure, not a suggested numerical target. Do not copy a percentage from another contract without checking whether it is realistic and relevant.
Keep evidence organised
Retain approved records of the activity you actually delivered. Distinguish planned commitments from completed outcomes and explain the period and scope of any figure.
Handle personal data appropriately and avoid publishing individual details simply to make a case study more persuasive. Use the evidence requested by the buyer through its specified route.
Answer the question as issued
Check the model, definitions, format, scoring and reporting obligations. An impressive general community story may not answer a particular contract requirement.
Communicate completed work accurately
A project page or post can explain a documented outcome and your role in it. Marketing should reflect the evidence; it cannot guarantee a score or replace a contractual commitment.
Read the tender evidence guide or organise your supplier application evidence.
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