Social value in tenders: a practical guide for small businesses
Most public tenders now score social value. Here's what buyers are looking for, how it's marked, and how to make commitments that are realistic for a small firm.
Last checked 15 October 2026. This is general guidance, not legal advice — the buyer's documents and official government guidance always come first.
What social value means
Social value is the wider benefit a contract brings to the local area and the country — for example local jobs, apprenticeships, using local suppliers, cutting carbon emissions or supporting community groups. Many public bodies give it a separate score, and for central government contracts the Social Value Model sets a minimum weighting.
The government's Social Value Model
Central government uses the Social Value Model (updated in 2025 and published as procurement policy note PPN 002). It links social value to five national missions: kick-starting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future. Councils often use their own approach, so always follow what the tender asks for.
What scores well
Good social value answers are specific to the contract and its area, measurable and realistic. 'We will support the local community' scores poorly. 'We will offer two apprenticeships to local young people in the first year, and report numbers to you every quarter' scores much better.
Small firms often have an advantage: you probably already hire locally, buy from local suppliers and know the community. Write that down, measure it and turn it into commitments.
Only promise what you can deliver
Social value commitments become part of the contract, and buyers can check them. Choose a few you can definitely deliver and report on, rather than a long list you can't.
Getting help
TendersNearMe's social value builder turns what you can genuinely offer into specific, measurable commitments mapped to the Social Value Model, with a draft answer to edit. You can also save your best answers in your answer library to reuse.