The Importance of Social Value in Tenders & Procurement Responses

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on social value in tenders and throughout the procurement process. Most public contracts now have an increasing emphasis on Social Value when evaluating submissions and ultimately selecting the successful bidder.

Social value refers to the additional benefits that a bidder can bring beyond just meeting the technical specifications and requirements of a contract. These benefits may include environmental, economic, and social benefits that can improve the overall well-being of the community or stakeholders impacted by the contract. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of social value in bid responses and provide some examples of typical social value tender questions.

Why is social value important in bid responses?

Social value in tenders has become an essential consideration in bid responses because it demonstrates a bidder’s commitment to creating positive outcomes beyond just delivering the contract. By showcasing their social value, bidders can differentiate themselves from their competitors and increase their chances of winning the contract. Additionally, social value can help to build long-term relationships with clients, as it shows a bidder’s understanding of their needs and commitment to delivering value beyond the contract’s requirements.

Furthermore, social value can help to align a bidder’s values and objectives with those of the client. This alignment can lead to better collaboration, improved performance, and a more positive impact on the community or stakeholders affected by the contract. Social value can also provide a framework for measuring the impact of the contract, enabling bidders and clients to assess and improve their performance.

Generally social value focuses on:

• Environmental: Minimising environmental impact, promoting sustainable practices, and conserving resources
• Economic: Supporting local businesses and suppliers, fostering job creation, and investing in community development
• Social: Promoting social inclusion and diversity, combating poverty and social exclusion, and improving community well-being

Typical social value tender question examples

1. What measures will you take to reduce your environmental impact during the delivery of this contract?

This question aims to assess a bidder’s commitment to reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices. The bidder may answer by providing examples of how they plan to reduce their carbon footprint, minimise waste, and promote sustainable practices within their operations.

2. How will you engage with local communities and stakeholders during the delivery of this contract?

This question aims to assess a bidder’s approach to stakeholder engagement and their commitment to building positive relationships with the local community. The bidder may answer by outlining their plans for engaging with stakeholders, including community outreach initiatives, consultation processes, and communication strategies.

3. How will you support local businesses and suppliers during the delivery of this contract?

This question aims to assess a bidder’s commitment to supporting local businesses and suppliers, which can have a significant impact on the local economy. The bidder may answer by outlining their approach to sourcing local suppliers, providing training and development opportunities for local businesses, and promoting local economic growth.

4. How will you promote social inclusion and diversity during the delivery of this contract?

This question aims to assess a bidder’s approach to promoting social inclusion and diversity within their operations and the wider community. The bidder may answer by providing examples of their policies and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, including recruitment and retention practices, training and development programs, and community engagement initiatives.

Preparing for Social Value Tenders

To effectively address social value questions in bid responses, bidders should consider the following:

1. Strategic Alignment: Align their social value strategy with the overall project objectives and the client’s sustainability goals.
2. Quantifiable Impact: Identify specific social value outcomes that can be measured and tracked throughout the project lifecycle.
3. Evidence-based Approach: Provide concrete examples of previous projects or initiatives that demonstrate their commitment to social value creation.
4. Community Engagement: Outline plans for engaging with stakeholders, seeking feedback, and incorporating their perspectives into the project.
5. Measurable Outcomes: Establish clear metrics for evaluating the social value impact of the project and track progress throughout its implementation.

In Conclusion

Social value has become an essential consideration in bid responses, as it demonstrates a bidder’s commitment to creating positive outcomes beyond just delivering the contract. By showcasing their social value, bidders can differentiate themselves from their competitors and as well as meet the expectations of most public procurement exercises, increase their chances of winning the contract. To prepare for social value tender questions, bidders should consider their approach to sustainability, stakeholder engagement, local economic development, and diversity and inclusion. Critically, they should make sure they also practice what they preach in their submission!