Social value is the positive impact an organisation creates for society, the economy and the environment through the way it operates and delivers its services. It goes beyond profit and looks at the wider difference a business makes to communities and stakeholders.

In simple terms, social value is about leaving things better than you found them.

This might include:

• Creating local jobs and apprenticeships

• Supporting small, local or diverse suppliers

• Reducing carbon emissions and improving sustainability

• Investing in community initiatives

• Providing training and skills development

In the UK, social value is particularly important in public procurement. The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 requires public bodies to consider how the services they commission can improve social, economic and environmental wellbeing. As a result, social value is now a key part of many tender processes.

Why Social Value Matters in Bids

It impacts your score

In many public sector tenders, social value is a scored element. It can account for a meaningful percentage of the overall evaluation. Even if your technical submission and pricing are strong, a weak social value response can reduce your final score.

It is often mandatory

Buyers expect bidders to address social value clearly and directly. Failing to respond properly to the social value question can result in lost marks or a submission that feels incomplete.

It helps you differentiate

Technical responses and pricing models can be similar across competitors. Social value is often where you can stand out. A clear, relevant and realistic plan shows added value beyond the core service.

It demonstrates understanding of the client

Strong social value responses are tailored. They reflect the client’s priorities, local challenges and community needs. This shows that you have taken the time to understand the wider purpose of the contract.

It builds credibility and trust

Specific, measurable commitments carry more weight than broad promises. Providing evidence of past delivery, clear targets and practical implementation plans reassures evaluators that you can deliver what you propose.

How to Strengthen Social Value in a Bid

To be effective, your social value response should:

• Align with the buyer’s stated objectives

• Be relevant to the contract and location

• Include measurable targets and outcomes

• Demonstrate previous experience where possible

• Show how delivery will be monitored and reported

Social value should not be treated as a generic add-on. It should be integrated into your delivery plan and reflect what you can genuinely achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of social value in a bid?

An example could be committing to recruit apprentices from the local area, partnering with local colleges for training programmes, or supporting community projects linked to the contract.

How much weighting does social value have in tenders?

It varies by authority and sector, but social value can account for 10 to 30 percent of the overall score in many public sector tenders.

Is social value only relevant to the public sector?

While it is most commonly associated with public procurement, private sector clients are increasingly placing importance on social impact and responsible business practices.

How is social value measured?

It is measured through defined outcomes such as jobs created, training hours delivered, carbon reduction, volunteer hours, or spend with local suppliers. Clear reporting mechanisms are important.

Who is responsible for writing the social value section in a bid?

This is often a collaborative effort. Bid writers and bid managers typically work closely with Social Value Managers, operational teams, HR and supply chain colleagues to ensure commitments are accurate and deliverable.

Social value is the positive impact an organisation creates for society, the economy and the environment through the way it operates and delivers its services. It goes beyond profit and looks at the wider difference a business makes to communities and stakeholders.

In simple terms, social value is about leaving things better than you found them.

This might include:

• Creating local jobs and apprenticeships

• Supporting small, local or diverse suppliers

• Reducing carbon emissions and improving sustainability

• Investing in community initiatives

• Providing training and skills development

In the UK, social value is particularly important in public procurement. The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 requires public bodies to consider how the services they commission can improve social, economic and environmental wellbeing. As a result, social value is now a key part of many tender processes.

Why Social Value Matters in Bids

It impacts your score

In many public sector tenders, social value is a scored element. It can account for a meaningful percentage of the overall evaluation. Even if your technical submission and pricing are strong, a weak social value response can reduce your final score.

It is often mandatory

Buyers expect bidders to address social value clearly and directly. Failing to respond properly to the social value question can result in lost marks or a submission that feels incomplete.

It helps you differentiate

Technical responses and pricing models can be similar across competitors. Social value is often where you can stand out. A clear, relevant and realistic plan shows added value beyond the core service.

It demonstrates understanding of the client

Strong social value responses are tailored. They reflect the client’s priorities, local challenges and community needs. This shows that you have taken the time to understand the wider purpose of the contract.

It builds credibility and trust

Specific, measurable commitments carry more weight than broad promises. Providing evidence of past delivery, clear targets and practical implementation plans reassures evaluators that you can deliver what you propose.

How to Strengthen Social Value in a Bid

To be effective, your social value response should:

• Align with the buyer’s stated objectives

• Be relevant to the contract and location

• Include measurable targets and outcomes

• Demonstrate previous experience where possible

• Show how delivery will be monitored and reported

Social value should not be treated as a generic add-on. It should be integrated into your delivery plan and reflect what you can genuinely achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of social value in a bid?

An example could be committing to recruit apprentices from the local area, partnering with local colleges for training programmes, or supporting community projects linked to the contract.

How much weighting does social value have in tenders?

It varies by authority and sector, but social value can account for 10 to 30 percent of the overall score in many public sector tenders.

Is social value only relevant to the public sector?

While it is most commonly associated with public procurement, private sector clients are increasingly placing importance on social impact and responsible business practices.

How is social value measured?

It is measured through defined outcomes such as jobs created, training hours delivered, carbon reduction, volunteer hours, or spend with local suppliers. Clear reporting mechanisms are important.

Who is responsible for writing the social value section in a bid?

This is often a collaborative effort. Bid writers and bid managers typically work closely with Social Value Managers, operational teams, HR and supply chain colleagues to ensure commitments are accurate and deliverable.