Social value is the additional economic, social, environmental and cultural benefit created through the way a public contract is procured and delivered.
Detailed explanation
Examples include local employment, apprenticeships, fair work, community support, supply-chain opportunities, carbon reduction, wellbeing and skills development. The most credible commitments are relevant to the contract, additional to normal delivery, proportionate to value and supported by clear measurement.
A tender response should distinguish activities from outcomes. It must explain who will deliver each commitment, by when, at what cost, with which partners and what evidence will be reported. Vague promises can score poorly and create contractual underperformance after award.
In Wales, suppliers may also encounter socially responsible procurement duties and buyer-specific policy expectations. Always follow the published evaluation framework and contract reporting requirements.
Why it matters
Buyers may evaluate commitments and monitor them as contractual obligations.
How buyers use it
The buyer uses social value criteria and contract obligations to secure wider public benefits that are relevant, measurable and deliverable through the procurement.
What suppliers should do
- Map commitments to buyer priorities and contract scope.
- Separate core delivery from additional value.
- Set realistic targets, owners and milestones.
- Cost every commitment and approve it commercially.
- Define evidence and reporting before submission.
Where it fits in the process
- 1Buyer priorities identified
- 2Commitments designed and costed
- 3Response evaluated
- 4Delivery mobilised
- 5Outcomes evidenced and reported
Frequently asked questions
Is local employment always social value?
It can be where it is relevant, additional and measured in line with the tender.
Can normal contract delivery count?
Usually social value should be distinguished from core contractual obligations unless the framework states otherwise.
Should commitments have a financial value?
Only where the methodology requests or supports it, using transparent and non-duplicative calculations.
What evidence is strongest?
Payroll records, attendance evidence, partner confirmations, invoices, outcome data and agreed reporting records, subject to data protection.
What is the main SME risk?
Overpromising activities that have not been costed, resourced or agreed with delivery partners.
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