Published 28 January 2026 by eSourcingData
Social value is a scored part of most UK public sector tenders, so vague good intentions rarely win marks. Strong answers propose specific, measurable and deliverable commitments that map to the buyer's chosen social value framework, then explain how you will deliver and evidence them.
The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 requires public bodies to consider the wider economic, social and environmental benefits of what they buy. As a result, most public tenders include a weighted social value section that is scored alongside quality and price.
Buyers often measure social value using a framework such as the Themes, Outcomes and Measures (TOMs) approach or the central government Social Value Model. Read the ITT to see which framework applies, which themes are prioritised and how the section is weighted before you write a word.
A commitment such as "we support local communities" scores poorly because it cannot be measured or held to account. Instead, state exactly what you will do, how many, by when and how it will be measured. Specific, numeric commitments give evaluators something concrete to reward.
Tie each commitment to a measure the buyer recognises, such as local employment, apprenticeships, spend with small and local suppliers, or carbon reduction. Where the framework provides proxy values or metrics, align your commitments to them so your offer is easy to compare and score.
Social value commitments in a winning bid usually become contractual. Over-promising to win marks can leave you unable to deliver and exposed to under-performance during the contract. Propose commitments that are ambitious but genuinely achievable within the contract scope and value.
Show how each commitment connects to this specific contract and location. Buyers value proportionate, relevant benefits over a generic list of good deeds. A smaller commitment that is clearly deliverable and locally relevant often scores better than a large one that looks aspirational.
Evaluators want confidence that commitments will actually happen. Set out how you will deliver each one: the resources, partnerships, timescales and named responsibilities involved. A credible delivery plan is often the difference between a mid and a high score on social value.
Reference existing activity where it is genuine. If you already run apprenticeships or partner with local organisations, that track record makes new commitments more believable. Be careful, though, to offer additional value created by this contract rather than counting things you already do.
Explain how you will monitor, measure and report social value throughout the contract. Buyers increasingly ask for regular reporting against agreed measures, so describing your reporting method shows you take delivery seriously and reduces the buyer's perceived risk.
Keep evidence proportionate and honest. Assign an owner for each commitment, agree a baseline and a target, and describe how you will report progress to the buyer. Demonstrating a clear line from commitment to measurement to reporting reassures evaluators that the value is real.
Turn social value themes into scored answers
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Try BidWriter freeWhat is the Social Value Act 2012?
The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 requires public bodies to consider the wider economic, social and environmental benefits when procuring services, which is why most public tenders score social value as a weighted section.
What are TOMs in social value?
TOMs stands for Themes, Outcomes and Measures, a widely used framework that helps buyers and bidders describe and measure social value consistently, often attaching proxy values to specific measures.
How much are social value questions worth?
It varies by tender. Central government guidance encourages a minimum weighting, and many buyers allocate a meaningful proportion of the quality score to social value. Always check the weighting in your specific ITT.
Do social value commitments become contractual?
Usually yes. Commitments you make to win marks are typically written into the contract and monitored, so only promise what you can realistically deliver and evidence.
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