The Complete Guide to The Social Value Model
PPN 026
Social Value Model Update 2026: What We Know So Far
The Government has published a new Social Value Model (PPN 026), representing a significant shift in how social value will be evaluated in central government procurement. The new model focuses on jobs, skills, fair work and local economic opportunity, with implementation expected from 1 January 2027 for in-scope procurements.
New minimum weighting of up to 20%
Social value will now carry a minimum weighting of:
10% for contracts between £1m and £5m
20% for contracts worth £5m or more
This significantly increases the influence social value can have on procurement outcomes.
A narrower focus on jobs and skills
The new model has been streamlined around two outcomes:
Good Jobs
Skills
The previous broader approach has been replaced with a more targeted framework focused on employment, progression and workforce development.
Greater emphasis on delivery and contract management
Social value commitments will need to be measured and monitored throughout contract delivery. For contracts worth £5 million or more, contracting authorities should set at least one social value KPI.
What We're Watching Closely
One of the most interesting developments is the introduction of a future Government-produced List of Community Programmes. While the policy references these programmes, the detail has not yet been published. Guidance expected in autumn 2026 will explain how these programmes may influence evaluation, delivery and contract management.
What Happens Next?
Further Government guidance is expected in autumn 2026 and is anticipated to include:
Detailed sub-criteria
Performance metrics
Community programmes
Target cohorts
Framework guidance
Information on recognising existing social value delivery
We'll continue to update this page as new information becomes available.
We know that policy updates like this can feel daunting, especially when important details are still to come. Our role is to cut through the noise, explain what the changes actually mean, and help you focus on the actions that matter most.
Download our briefing note and join our mailing list to stay informed as further guidance is published.
Social Value Model on a page (*PPN02)
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How to Find and Understand the Social Value Model (PPN 002)
In this explainer video, we walk you through the updated Social Value Model (PPN 002, March 2025)
What it is, how to find it on GOV.UK and what’s changed since the update.
You’ll see the difference between the PPN, the model itself, and the buyer’s guide, and learn why this framework matters for public sector procurement. Whether you’re a supplier trying to understand what buyers are looking for, or a procurement professional using the model for the first time, this video gives you a clear, practical overview.
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What is the Social Value Model?
Start with the basics. This blog explains what the Social Value Model is, why it was introduced, and how it shapes the way government buyers assess bids.goes here
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Complete Guide To The Social Value Model
Guide to the Social Value Model (PPN002). Learn key changes from PPN06/20, new procurement requirements, and how suppliers should prepare.tion goes here
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The Old Social Value Model
"Learn what the old Social Value Model (PPN06/20) was, why it’s being phased out, and how procurement has changed under the updated Social Value Model (PPN002).
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The Social Value Model versus the National TOMs
To help you understand the differences, we will explore each model in detail. Give you the history behind them and why procurers use different frameworks and offer some practical ideas to help you prepare social value answers for both models.
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The Social Value Model: What Buyers Must Do and What Suppliers Should Watch For
Discover the ‘four golden rules’ Public Sector Buyers must follow under the UK Social Value Model, and what every supplier needs to do to stay compliant and competitive.
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