If you’re an SME planning to submit bids for public sector contracts in 2025, understanding social value in tenders is no longer optional – it’s essential. At Tendle, part of Aspire to Grow Ltd, we help small businesses craft strong, measurable social value responses that boost scores and improve win rates.
In this guide, you’ll learn what social value is, why it matters, and how to embed it effectively in your tender submissions.
What is Social Value in Tenders?
Social value refers to the additional benefits a project delivers to society beyond the core goods or services. Under UK procurement regulations, public bodies are legally required to consider social value in contract awards.
This means your tender will be assessed not only on price and quality but also on how your business contributes to:
- Environmental sustainability
- Local employment and skills
- Diversity and inclusion
- Health and wellbeing
- Supporting local businesses and VCSEs (voluntary, community and social enterprises)
In 2025, social value typically accounts for 10%–30% of the overall scoring in public sector tenders.
Why It Matters in 2025
The Social Value Model, introduced by the UK Government in 2021, continues to influence public sector contracts in 2025. Buyers are under increasing pressure to meet Net Zero, diversity, and levelling up objectives.
By showing how your business aligns with these goals, you demonstrate not just compliance – but a competitive edge.
Learn more about the UK Government’s Social Value Model (Cabinet Office).
5 Ways to Demonstrate Social Value in Your Bid
Here are the top strategies for embedding social value in tenders:
1. Create Local Jobs or Apprenticeships
- Offer roles to underrepresented groups or unemployed individuals
- Run training schemes for local youth or NEETs (not in education, employment, or training)
2. Reduce Environmental Impact
- Commit to carbon reduction plans or sustainable sourcing
- Use low-emission vehicles or green energy in your operations
3. Support Local Supply Chains
- Subcontract work to local SMEs or VCSEs
- Prioritise purchasing from within the local area
4. Improve Community Wellbeing
- Deliver workshops or donate volunteer hours to local initiatives
- Provide free resources to community projects or schools
5. Promote Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Embed inclusive hiring and progression policies
- Partner with charities or groups supporting protected characteristics
How to Write a Strong Social Value Response
Buyers want specific, measurable examples – not generic promises.
- Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Back up claims with data and real examples
- Link your commitments to the buyer’s local or strategic priorities
- Set out how outcomes will be monitored and reported
Social Value Template Example
Here’s a simplified template structure you can adapt for your tenders:
- Social Value Theme: Tackling Economic Inequality
- Commitment: We will recruit 2 apprentices from the local area over the contract duration, with training funded and delivered in-house.
- Measurement: Progress will be tracked via monthly project updates and end-of-contract evaluation.
- Additional Value: We will also deliver 3 employability workshops for local secondary schools.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Copy-pasting vague social value statements
- Making promises you can’t evidence or track
- Ignoring local priorities or buyer objectives
- Missing submission formats or word counts
Our team at Tendle offers a Social Value Review Service to help you refine your responses and meet scoring criteria with confidence.
Final Thoughts: Social Value is a Win-Win
Embedding social value in tenders isn’t just about compliance – it’s about impact. It helps you build stronger communities, increase your tender score, and demonstrate your business’s positive legacy.
Whether you’re new to tendering or want to improve your bid success rate in 2025, Tendle is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book a free discovery call at Tendle.co.uk and make your next bid your strongest yet.
