Social value · All sectors

Social value in UK tenders after PPN 002: how to write a measurable commitment

Prepared by TenderChecker. Last reviewed 4 October 2026. General guidance only — every buyer's own instructions and criteria take priority.

Short answer

PPN 002 took effect on 24 February 2025 and sets out how in-scope central government bodies take account of social value, including a minimum 10% weighting for social value in the award criteria. Other buyers, such as councils, may follow their own policies — always check the tender documents.

Buyers using the Social Value Model choose specific outcomes. Your answer should target the outcome named in the question, with measurable commitments, a timescale and how you will report progress.

What the buyer might be asking

Which social value outcome will you deliver?
What exactly will you commit to, by when?
How will you measure and report it?

Worked example (fictional)

Everything in this example — company, people and numbers — is invented for illustration.

Example question: Describe the commitments you will make to support the outcome 'create opportunities for entrepreneurship and help new organisations to grow' during this contract. (Max 500 words)

Fictional context: Fictional bidder: Meridian Facilities Ltd. Supplied fictional notes: already buys some consumables from two local suppliers; willing to offer mentoring time.

Weak draft (fictional)

We are passionate about our local community and will support local businesses wherever possible.

What the draft misses

No measurable commitment, timescale or reporting.
Does not reference the outcome named in the question.

A better version (using only the fictional facts above)

To support new and small organisations, we will [insert number] of hours of mentoring to [insert type of organisation] in year one, and will invite [insert number] local suppliers to quote for [insert category] spend. Progress will be reported to the contract manager [insert frequency] using [insert measure].

Bracketed text marks facts the bidder still needs to supply. Never fill these with invented figures.

Evidence checklist

☐ Outcome named in the question
☐ Numbers and timescales you can deliver
☐ Reporting frequency and measures
☐ Evidence of similar past activity, if any

Common mistakes

Answering a different outcome
Promises you cannot afford
No reporting route

Check your own answer

Paste one question and draft. Free, no sign-up.

Free answer check

Review the whole tender

Report plus improved Word response within 24 hours.

Full tender review