Social Value is more than a policy
The event brought together procurement professionals from across the region to explore how social value can be planned, defined, measured meaningfully in NHS contracts – and delivered as more than an afterthought
Why it matters
Social Value in public procurement plays a crucial role in supporting wider government missions, from driving economic growth and tackling inequality to delivering a more sustainable NHS. Under the Procurement Act 2023, the updated Social Value Model and the National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS), all NHS organisations are now expected to deliver social and economic value through their commercial activities.
From policy to practice
How do we put social value at the heart of NHS procurement? The session broke this process down into four key phases:
- Plan: Identify local needs before writing a specification.
- Define: Choose relevant and proportionate outcomes using the government’s Social Value Model.
- Procure: Ask clear, contract-specific questions with transparent evaluation criteria.
- Manage: Track delivery and celebrate success not just at the award stage, but also throughout the contract lifecycle.
A standout moment of the session was the practical example of ‘Gerry,’ a fictional NHS procurement specialist tasked with embedding Social Value into a catering contract. Through Gerry’s journey from engaging local stakeholders to including realistic employment commitments in the tender, the session illustrated how good planning and communication lead to real and measurable social impact.
Participants also explored common pitfalls, such as:
- Asking for generic corporate social responsibility policies instead of specific deliverables;
- Using vague criteria like ‘we always hire locally’ without a delivery plan;
- Forgetting to follow through after contract award.
The key takeaway? Social value must be planned, specific, and monitored.
Supporting trusts to get it right
At the Hub, we are helping NHS organisations align their procurement activity with the government’s five key missions by providing:
- Guidance on interpreting the Social Value Model;
- Help structuring award criteria and tender documents;
- Support with evaluation, moderation and supplier engagement;
- Advice on building in meaningful monitoring and reporting.
Looking Ahead
We are already sharing more tools, examples and insights from across the region to help procurement teams confidently lead the way on social value. To get started, look up our sustainability and social value page and join our monthly Sustainable Procurement Forum.
If you are already planning a contract where social value could be embedded, get in touch with our team to see how we can support you.