The Central Gov't Social Value Model, explained

On August 5th 2026, the Cabinet Office published Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 026: The social value model.

It's the second time a new Central Government Social Value Model has been introduced in the space of only 18 months.

So why has the model changed so soon? How should suppliers adapt? And what does it reveal about Burnham’s emerging procurement agenda? 

Skip ahead to read about:

• What is the Central Government Social Value Model?
• Who does the Central Government Social Value Model apply to?
• What is the minimum weighting for Social Value?
• What should we expect next?
• What does this mean for buyers?
• What does this mean for suppliers?
• How to win more bids with Social Value

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📖  What is the Central Government Social Value Model?

The Central Government Social Value Model sets out how Central Government departments should evaluate social value in public procurement.

The new model narrows that focus considerably, defining social value as "taking account of how a supplier will work for our communities to provide good British jobs, skills and opportunities in every postcode."

That represents a significant shift from the previous model introduced under PPN 002 just 18 months ago.

Rather than assessing suppliers against five broad government missions - kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity, and building an NHS fit for the future - the new model concentrates on employment and skills.

The timing is also notable. Less than a month into Andy Burnham's premiership, the government has already replaced the previous model. While frequent changes to bidding criteria can be frustrating for suppliers, the revised approach puts procurement policy behind one of Burnham's central pledges: using public procurement to support British businesses and British workers.

🏛️ Who does the Central Government Social Value Model apply to?

The new Social Value Model only applies to Central Government departments, their Executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies. It does not affect local authorities, the NHS, or education buyers. 

So, despite the change, social value remains completely untouched for more than two-thirds of the public sector market.

⚖️ What is the minimum weighting for Social Value?

For the first time, some Central Government procurements now require a minimum 20% weighting for social value.

The minimum social value weightings for in-scope Central Government procurements are:

• 10% for contracts valued at £1-5m 

• 20% for contracts valued at £5m+

In practice, that means social value will play a bigger role in the evaluation of higher-value procurements.

The new Social Value Model does not apply to contracts valued below £1m.

❓ What should we expect next?

We are still waiting for further guidance before we know exactly how contracting authorities will apply the new Social Value Model in practice.

The Cabinet Office is expected to publish more detail in autumn 2026, including guidance on the model’s sub-criteria, target cohorts, priority skills, evaluation methods, community programmes, and how social value should be assessed at framework and call-off stage.

The PPN already identifies groups likely to be prioritised, including NEETs, care leavers, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and others facing barriers to employment.

🌱  What does this mean for buyers?

Relevant procurement teams are being encouraged to transition to the new model before it becomes mandatory for all in-scope procurements commencing on or after January 1st, 2027.

However, teams are currently permitted to use the legacy Social Value Model in instances where use of the new model  would 'require disproportionate resources or invalidate previous market engagement activities.'

Under the new model, Central Government buyers are also required to set at least one formal social value-based Contract KPI for contracts with an estimated value of £5m or more.

To find out more about the Central Government Social Value Model - and when it applies - read the full Procurement Policy Note.

💼  What does this mean for suppliers?

Procurement teams are being encouraged to transition to the new model before it becomes mandatory. So, suppliers should not wait for every detail before acting.

For in-scope contracts, suppliers should place greater emphasis on how they will create good jobs, develop skills and support local communities. Environmental or health initiatives may still add value, but they are no longer standalone priorities within the Central Government Social Value Model.

Tip: Before designing new social value initiatives, take stock of what your organisation already delivers. Do you create high-quality jobs across the UK? Do you recruit locally, invest in training or apprenticeships, or work with British-based subcontractors and delivery teams? Many suppliers already contribute meaningful social value - they simply don't evidence it effectively in bids. Start by documenting your existing impact, then identify where you can go further.

💸 How to win more bids with social value

The new Central Government Social Value Model changes what buyers will reward in tender evaluations.

Success will depend less on broad initiatives and more on demonstrating credible, measurable commitments to creating good jobs and developing skills through contract delivery.

The fundamentals, however, remain the same. Start early, understand the buyer's priorities, build proposals around genuine organisational capability, and back every commitment with clear evidence of how it will be delivered and measured. The strongest social value responses are those that are locally relevant, additional, and realistic - not simply the longest list of promises. 

Want to build higher-scoring social value bids? Download Tussell and Social Value Portals free guide, Win More Bids with Social Value, for practical advice on researching opportunities, developing credible commitments and writing stronger responses.

For more details on the new Central Government Social Value Model, refer to the PPN's full guide document.