Let’s Talk Social Value - Bid Management
About Angela, Sarah, and their work with APMP
Angela Benson and Sarah Hinchliffe are key figures in the UK chapter of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), a global organisation supporting bid and proposal professionals. Sarah chairs the APMP UK Social Value Working Group, which she founded in 2021 to help professionals navigate the rising prominence of social value in procurement. Angela, a global head of bid management, brings her corporate expertise to the group as a board member. Together, they represent the voice of bid professionals on national platforms, including the Cabinet Office and the National Social Value Taskforce.
Listen in to find out:
How bid professionals are integrating social value into procurement responses
The evolving role of social value in both public and private sector bids
Common challenges bidders face – and how to overcome them
What makes a compelling social value bid response
In this episode, Sarah talks to Angela and Sarah about:
The crucial (and often overlooked) role bid professionals play in shaping how social value is delivered in public procurement. They discuss the origins of the APMP’s Social Value Working Group, its growing influence, and the shift from social value being a “nice to have” to 10% weighted evaluation criteria in bids. The conversation covers everything from strategic bid planning and storytelling, to navigating inconsistent buyer expectations and building internal libraries of content to strengthen social value answers.
They also offer practical advice on how to respond when your social value score disappoints, and why feedback – however elusive – is worth chasing. Plus, they reflect on whether scoring a full 10/10 in social value is still possible in today’s maturing procurement landscape.
“If you want to win in the public sector, you can’t bolt social value on at the end. It needs to be treated like every other part of the bid — planned, resourced, and delivered.”
Find out more:
The difference between central and local government approaches to social value
Why bid professionals need tailored strategies, not generic commitments
What buyers are really looking for in a social value answer
How the APMP Social Value Working Group supports professionals across sectors
Social value in bids - what’s changing:
Social value is no longer just for construction or large public contracts. Angela and Sarah highlight how it's becoming part of the private sector conversation too. Whether you’re working with the Social Value Model or a commercial tool using proxy values, understanding how to align your commitments with buyer priorities is key. This episode breaks down how to approach social value like a pro — with strategic planning, measurable outcomes, and a clear “so what?”
“Think before you write. What’s the story you’re telling? What does it mean for this contract, this community — and how can you prove it?”
Need support improving your social value bid responses?
Samtaler works with organisations to strengthen social value delivery, strategy, and bid performance. Whether you’re just starting out or want to boost your scores, we’re here to help. 📧 hello@samtaler.co.uk
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