Social value in care tenders
Social value is the wider benefit a contract brings beyond the care itself, such as local jobs, training, apprenticeships and community support. In care tenders it is usually a scored section worth 10 to 20 percent of the marks. You win it by making specific, measurable commitments tied to the contract area, for example employing local carers or running free wellbeing sessions, rather than listing vague good intentions.
Why buyers score social value
The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 requires public bodies to consider economic, social and environmental benefit when they commission services. Most councils now apply a fixed weighting, often through the Government's Social Value Model themes. For care contracts this is a real chunk of the score, so a weak answer here can cost you the bid even when your care quality is strong.
What a strong answer looks like
Tie every commitment to the local area and to numbers you can deliver. Promise a set number of local recruits, apprenticeships or work placements, name the partners you will use, and say how you will measure and report it. Avoid generic claims like supporting the community; buyers mark down answers that could apply to any contract anywhere.
Not sure if you qualify for a tender? We check it for free, before you pay anything, and we only take bids we believe you can win. Text TENDER to get started.
Common questions
How much is social value worth in a care tender?
It varies by buyer, but 10 to 20 percent of the total score is common. The exact weighting is set out in the tender documents, usually in the scoring or evaluation criteria.
What counts as social value for a care provider?
Local employment, apprenticeships and training, paying the real Living Wage, supporting carers' wellbeing, reducing your environmental footprint, and community activity such as free events or volunteering in the contract area.
Can a small provider score well on social value?
Yes. Small providers often score well because they genuinely recruit and spend locally. The key is to commit to specific, measurable actions you can prove, not large numbers you cannot deliver.
Keep reading
Browse all care tender guides, or see care tender writing by service.
Got a tender to check?
Text TENDER to +44 7822 001898and we'll tell you free whether you'd qualify, before you spend a penny.