The UK Government’s approach to social value in public procurement has undergone a significant update with the introduction of a revised Social Value Model through Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 002 (2025). This update effectively replaces and builds upon the original PPN 06/20, which has underpinned social value requirements in central government procurement since 2021.
For organisations bidding into public sector contracts, understanding what has changed, and what remains consistent, is essential to ensuring compliance and maintaining competitiveness.
Recap: What PPN 06/20 Established
PPN 06/20 introduced a fundamental shift in UK procurement by making social value a mandatory, scored component of central government tenders.
Key features included:
- A requirement to explicitly evaluate social value in procurement
- A minimum 10% weighting applied to social value in all in-scope contracts
- The introduction of a standardised Social Value Model with defined themes, outcomes, and metrics.
This marked a move away from simply “considering” social value (as required under the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012) to embedding it as a core evaluation criterion.
The 2025 Update: Introduction of PPN 002
In 2025, the Cabinet Office introduced PPN 002, which updates the Social Value Model to align with the Procurement Act 2023 and broader government priorities.
This updated model is now:
- Mandatory for in-scope central government procurements from 1 October 2025
- Applicable to all stages of the procurement lifecycle, including planning and contract management
- Designed to ensure social value is measurable, consistent, and aligned to national policy objectives.
During a transition period (February - October 2025), contracting authorities could apply either PPN 06/20 or PPN 002, depending on when procurements commenced.
Key Changes Introduced by PPN 002
1. Alignment to Government “Missions”
One of the most significant structural changes is the move from themes under PPN 06/20 to five cross-government missions.
These are:
- Kick-start economic growth
- Make Britain a clean energy superpower
- Break down barriers to opportunity
- Build an NHS fit for the future
- Take back our streets.
This change is intended to create a clearer line of sight between procurement activity and broader government priorities.
2. Continued Mandatory Weighting
PPN 002 maintains the requirement that:
- Social value must carry a minimum weighting of 10% in all in-scope procurements.
Authorities retain the flexibility to apply higher weightings where appropriate and proportionate, something commonly seen for example with DEFRA tenders.
3. Greater Focus on Measurable Outcomes
The updated model places increased emphasis on:
- Quantifiable, trackable outcomes
- Clearer monitoring and reporting expectations
- Demonstrating impact throughout the contract lifecycle, not just at award stage.
This reflects a shift towards ensuring that social value commitments are delivered and evidenced in practice.
4. Streamlined and More Targeted Metrics
PPN 002 introduces:
- A more streamlined set of outcomes and metrics
- Improved clarity on how contracting authorities should select relevant measures.
Authorities are expected to choose outcomes that are relevant and proportionate to the subject matter of the contract.
5. Integration Across the Procurement Lifecycle
Under PPN 002, social value is no longer confined to the evaluation stage. It must be considered:
- During pre-procurement and market engagement
- Within tender design and evaluation
- Through contract management and performance monitoring.
This reinforces the expectation that social value is embedded from the outset and actively managed post-award.
6. Alignment with Procurement Reform
The update sits within wider procurement reform introduced by the Procurement Act 2023, which emphasises:
- Transparency and accountability
- Broader definitions of value beyond cost
- A shift towards awarding contracts based on the Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) rather than purely economic criteria.
What Has Stayed the Same
Despite these updates, several core principles established under PPN 06/20 remain unchanged:
- Social value remains a mandatory, scored element of procurement
- A minimum 10% weighting continues to apply
- Commitments must be relevant, proportionate, and non-discriminatory
- The Social Value Model remains the primary framework for structuring evaluation.
Practical Implications for Bidders
From a bidder perspective, the updated policy framework means that:
- Social value responses must be clearly aligned to the selected mission(s) within the tender
- Commitments must be specific, measurable, and capable of being monitored
- Delivery will be scrutinised throughout the contract lifecycle, not just at bid stage
- Understanding which PPN applies (06/20 or 002) is critical, particularly during transitional procurements.
Final Thoughts
The update from PPN 06/20 to PPN 002 represents an evolution rather than a complete departure. The core requirement, to embed social value within public procurement, remains firmly in place.
However, the revised model introduces:
- Stronger alignment with current national priorities
- Greater emphasis on measurable outcomes and reporting
- Clearer expectations around delivery and accountability.
