The UK Government has published PPN 026: The Social Value Model, introducing a substantially more focused approach to social value in central government procurement. Published on 5 August 2026, the new model concentrates social value evaluation on British jobs, skills and opportunities within local communities. Detailed supporting guidance is expected in autumn 2026.  

The Skills and Growth Reforms introduce new ways for employers to upskill and reskill their adult workforce. This article explains key changes including Apprenticeship Units, updates to apprenticeship funding, Skills Bootcamps and national AI skills initiatives, and how employers can use them to tackle skills gaps, plan for AI and green transition, and strengthen workforce capability.

The UK’s apprenticeship and skills system is entering a major period of change. With new Skills and Growth Reforms on the horizon, it’s vital that employers, especially those delivering public services or bidding into the UK public sector, understand what’s coming and how it affects their workforce, social value delivery, and future talent pipeline.

The UK apprenticeship system is undergoing its biggest reform in a decade. From 2026, the Apprenticeship Levy will transition into the Growth and Skills Levy, bringing changes to who apprenticeships are for, what levy funds can be used for, and how training and assessment work in practice.