Complete Guide to the New Social Value Model
The Social Value Model (SVM) sets out how UK Central Government public sector bodies must embed social value into their procurement processes and tenders. It is published by the Cabinet Office and must be used by all UK Central Government Departments, their Executive Agencies and arms-length bodies. The Social Value Model does not have to be followed by Local Authorities in England or public sector bodies belonging to the devolved nations.
There are currently two version of the social value model in use:
PPN06/20 - the ‘old’ version which was published in September 2020; and
PPN002 - the ‘new’ version which was published in February 2025 and which comes into effect from 1 October 2025.
Both models are currently operating side by side as buyers were able to choose which one to use between February and September 2025, but from 1 October only the new model (PPN002) can be used in new procurements.
We’ve put together this guide to help you understand what’s in the NEW Social Value Model; how it differs from the old one; and what you need to do to get ready for procurers using it.
What is the Social Value Model?
The new model contains:
a Standard Model Social Value question;
a ‘menu’ of social value Outcomes which buyers use to tailor the standard question; and
standard reporting metrics.
The new model also comes with updated Guidance which provides instructions for public sector buyers on how to integrate social value into their buying process, and evaluate responses.
If you want to know more about these components work and how procurers use them to build the social value questions you see in tenders read this article here.
The main part of the model that most suppliers will be familiar with are the outcomes that buyers use to tailor their requirements.
We’ve created this handy one page summary below.
Social Value Model on a page
The outcomes are now structured around the Labour Government’s key missions with each outcome supported by specific Model Award Criteria (MACs) and Sub-Criteria.
The table below shows a summary of the MACs and their sub criteria. You can view the full list here.
Procurers choose the MACs most relevant to their procurement and use the sub criteria to generate requirements of suppliers.
MISSION: KICK START ECONOMIC GROWTH
MISSION: MAKE BRITAIN A CLEAN ENERGY SUPERPOWER
MISSION: TAKE BACK OUR STREETS
MISSION: BREAK DOWN BARRIERS TO OPPORTUNITY
MISSION: BUILD AN NHS FIT FOR THE FUTURE
What is the difference between the old social value model (PPN06/20) and the new social value model (PPN 002)?
What’s changed
Framework of Social Value Outcomes
Although the model feels quite different, fundamentally it’s still the same. Missions may have replaced Themes but all the Policy Outcomes have been transferred over with exception of Covid 19, which won’t be a surprise to anyone.
The new model has
a more explicit focus on employment, skills & training, workers’ rights, non-discrimination and reducing inequality.
Much more specific requirements for suppliers to provide contract workers with working conditions and fair pay practices which go significantly above legal minimum requirement.
A new obligation which will be inserted into all contracts that where local employment opportunities are being created for the purpose of performing the contract, these must be advertised in local job centres using the government’s “Find a Job” website.
New requirements to mitigate the risk of domestic abuse in the contract workforce and influence to support the reduction of domestic abuse more widely.
New requirements to create Learning & Skills Development Opportunities relevant to the contract – under the old model suppliers could only offer training which results in a recognised qualification. This means that the new model should allow for a lot more flexibility.
In addition the Climate Change MACs have been made more relevant and strengthened to ensure the focus is on contract delivery.
Standard Social Value Question
Now features a number of new sections which (although considered good practice) weren’t explicitly required before. These include:
a description of how the commitment meets the award criteria
a description of the specific, nominated cohort, or details of how Suppliers will identify and define a target cohort such as care leavers or the prison leavers
a description of how Suppliers will identify and reach the target cohort, how you will design/refine and tailor the offer to the cohort
Standard Evaluation Metrics
Have changed slightly with some new ones and clarification provided on which metrics to use/what not to use. Guide also says that suppliers are able to offer other metrics and if the metrics suggested aren’t appropriate that they don’t need to be used.
We’ve summarised some of the main differences between the two models in the table below.
Table showing a summary of the main differences between the old (PPN06/20) and the new (PPN002) social value models
What’s been taken out?
The Covid-19 theme has disappeared completely as have the requirement to:
support innovation and disruptive technologies;
support the development of scalable and future-proofed new methods to modernise delivery and increase productivity;
support strong integrated communities.
Cyber Security has been taken out as well but although it will no longer sit in the social value section that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t expect to be asked about it.
What’s stayed the same?
The vast majority of the way the model is applied has stayed the same including (and most importantly) that social value requirements should be non-discriminatory, proportionate and relevant to the contract.
The focus should still be on qualitative rather than quantitative evaluation.
There are also a number of things that were implicit before but have now been made much more explicit including:
The location of where social value should be delivered (UK is preferred but can be overseas if contract is being delivered overseas)
There is quite a lot of reference to trade commitments and ensuring social value requirements do not penalise overseas suppliers (who might not be hiring British workers for example)
What do Suppliers need to do to prepare for the new Social Value Model?
First, take a look at your current social value responses and compare the new Standard Social Value Question to what you’ve been using in previous bids to help you figure out what needs updating. Then, sketch out a fresh structure for how you’ll answer questions going forward. You’ll also need to write some new standard responses for the updated evaluation sections.
Second map your current social value commitments to the subcriteria contained within the new model; highlight the areas where you have gaps and work internally to fill them.
Refresh your response library - update your go-to answers so they’re aligned with the new format.
Revamp your templates – make sure they reflect the new structure and expectations.
Next up: training. Your bid team needs to get comfortable with the new approach so they can respond confidently to tenders. And don’t forget your sales team - they’ll play a key role in helping clients understand what’s changed, especially since many of them will be navigating new procurement rules too.
Getting ahead of this now, before a live tender comes in which you have to respond to, means less stress - and a smoother experience for both your team and your clients.
Need help with your social value offer?
At Samtaler, we work with public sector suppliers to make things simpler. We’ll help you map out your current social value offer, spot any gaps, and come up with practical solutions to fill them. We also create clear, easy-to-use response libraries and provide training for your teams - so everyone feels confident and ready.
Whether you're refreshing your bid strategy or just trying to keep up with changing procurement requirements, we’re here to support you.
Drop us a line at hello@samtaler.co.uk – we’d love to chat.
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