Social Value advice for bidders

Pre-Tender

Get involved

Consider influencing the buying organisation's Social Value policy and strategy by participating in policy discussions, strategic meetings, and market engagement activities.

Know the organisation

Familiarise yourself with the buying organisation's procurement strategy and any Social Value materials they have published. Understand their corporate priorities to align your approach.

During the Tender

Read thoroughly

Before crafting your bid, thoroughly review the buying organisation's procurement strategy and any other relevant information on their approach to Social Value.

Investigate priorities

Explore the buying organisation's Corporate Priorities and the "menu" of ideas provided by the TOMs (Teams of Market Experts). Consider your past achievements in delivering Social Value commitments.

Cost-effectiveness 

Understand that solutions outside the core requirements should be delivered at no additional cost to the buying organisation. The costs of these additional elements should be borne by you.

Clarify doubts

Read the tender documents carefully, including any guidance provided on responding to the Social Value element. If you have any questions, seek clarification during the designated clarification period. Raise Social Value concerns if not addressed adequately.

Partnership with supply chain

Collaborate with your supply chain or consortium members to identify and deliver Social Value commitments. Consider options that benefit both your business and the buying organisation, such as health and wellbeing support for staff.

Writing the Bid

Answer accurately

Respond directly to the specific questions posed, not questions you think should have been asked. Social Value may be both a core requirement and an opportunity to explore additional solutions. Clearly outline your approach to both.

Specificity is key

Avoid generic responses. Tailor your answers to the buying organisation's specific needs and desires.

Definitive commitments

As a general rule, particularly when the tender falls under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, ensure your response is definitive about the specific actions you will take.

Avoid mere policies

Don't just talk about existing policies or ongoing activities. Focus on concrete initiatives you will undertake if awarded the contract.

Start, maintain, and expand

Outline specific actions you will initiate upon contract award (new jobs, volunteering), maintain if retaining or winning the contract (retaining jobs, continued volunteering), and expand upon if securing the contract (volunteering in the buying organisation's area, setting up community groups).

Innovation encouraged

While staying relevant to the tender, embrace innovation and originality in your proposed Social Value commitments.

Post-Tender

Contractual obligations

If successful, you will likely be contractually bound to fulfil your Social Value commitments. Ensure your proposals are realistic and achievable.

Reporting and progress

Agree with the buying organisation on how and when you will report on your progress in delivering Social Value commitments throughout the contract.

Feedback and improvement

If unsuccessful, seek feedback from the buying organisation, particularly regarding your Social Value approach. Use this feedback to strengthen your offer and approach for future opportunities.

Additional information for bidders

Social Value in quotations

Not all tender opportunities include Social Value requirements. If Social Value is not mentioned in a tender document, you can inquire during the tender period to confirm whether it has been considered and disregarded.

Equal treatment for suppliers

The Council ensures that all suppliers are treated equally by providing all bidders with the same comprehensive information to support their submissions.

Social Value for non-local suppliers

Being a non-local supplier does not preclude you from winning contracts. However, offering Social Value within the Council's locality can strengthen your bid.

Evaluation criteria

Price is not the sole determinant in evaluating bids. Evaluation criteria are based on proportionality and relevance to the procurement in terms of Price, Quality, and Social Value.

Market engagement for bidders

The Council collaborates closely with service commissioners to identify and understand relevant and proportionate social, economic, and environmental opportunities for each contract. When appropriate, we engage with the market to provide feedback opportunities before issuing the tender.