How to write a social value tender response

Check the model and transition that apply

Use the tender’s stated requirements. As reviewed on 5 September 2026, central government policy is changing from PPN 002 to PPN 026. PPN 026 applies to specified central government bodies and covered procurements of at least £1 million including VAT, with exclusions; it is not a universal rule for all public buyers.

The new provisions apply to procurements starting on or after 1 January 2027, with earlier transition encouraged under the stated conditions. Minimum weighting is 10% from £1 million to below £5 million and 20% from £5 million; absolute evaluation methods use the relevant non-price score. Further guidance is due in autumn 2026. Check the published pack and current policy rather than assuming every tender requires the same 10% answer.

Turn the buyer’s chosen outcome into a practical question

Identify what the buyer wants to change, who or where is affected and what evidence it expects. Read any local needs information and definitions provided. Separate the mandatory service requirements from the social value commitment, as the model being used defines them.

For an employment outcome, ask who would benefit, what opportunity you can offer and which barriers the activity is meant to address. Under another model, the outcome may concern environmental or community benefits. Do not bring in a favourite activity if it does not answer the criterion the buyer has chosen.

Choose commitments your business can resource

Discuss proposed activities with the colleagues who will deliver them. Check staff time, budget, location, facilities and anything that depends on a partner. Where a community organisation or training provider is involved, confirm it is willing and able to take part before naming it as an agreed delivery partner.

For example, you might commit to a set number of supported work placements within a stated contract period, if the business has suitable work, supervision and a realistic way to recruit. The number should come from the delivery plan, not from what looks impressive in the answer.

Explain the method behind each target

Describe how you will reach participants or beneficiaries, who is responsible, what will happen and when. Explain how you will deal with practical barriers, track progress and put things right if participation or delivery falls behind.

Keep the narrative consistent with any calculator or metrics workbook. Use the buyer’s definitions for units and counting. A placement, a training hour and a person supported are different measures; do not combine them into a total without a valid basis.

• •Outcome and proposed activity
• •Target, unit, period and counting definition
• •Delivery owner, resources and partner status
• •Evidence source, reporting frequency and corrective action

Use past results without presenting future ones as fact

Use past work to show that your organisation knows how to deliver and measure this kind of activity. State the scope, period and your role. Explain what will carry over to this contract and what still has to be set up.

Word the answer so the reader can tell past performance, proposed targets and contractual commitments apart. If an activity has not been agreed or funded, sort that out before promising it. If benefits are allocated across several contracts, check the allocation so the response does not overstate what this contract will deliver.

Get approval and prepare the handover

Have operations and finance confirm that the commitments can be delivered within the proposed price. Check the answer, workbook and wider tender for conflicting numbers or dates. The person authorised to approve the bid should accept the commitments before submission.

Keep a delivery register ready for the contract team, showing how each commitment will be measured and who owns it. Bidgen can help structure and review the response. To start, send us the social value question, the model, the workbook and a list of activities your business can realistically support.