In August, we shared our first thoughts on the new PPN 026 Social Value Model. At the time, there were still plenty of questions about how it would work in practice. The additional guidance published in October has answered some of these, but it has also given us a few more things to think about.
From January 2027, the model will focus on two outcomes, Good Jobs and Skills, with a stronger emphasis on measurable commitments and reporting. The changes also mean that social value will carry more weight in larger central government contracts, while smaller contracts will no longer be required to include it.
We’ve put together a short briefing covering what’s changing, what the new guidance means for organisations and the questions we’re still exploring. It includes an overview of the six award criteria, the implications for suppliers and five practical steps to help organisations prepare.
Read or download our PPN 026 update below.
What interests us most?
One of the more interesting developments is the introduction of Community Programmes. Suppliers will be able to support an existing programme rather than develop their own approach to delivering social value.
This could create opportunities for charities and community organisations, but it also raises questions about how programmes will be selected. Will suppliers choose those that best meet local needs and deliver meaningful outcomes, or those that make it easier to secure a good score? And what might this mean for smaller organisations that are not part of the approved list?
We’re also interested in how the greater emphasis on reporting will work in practice. Clearer commitments and published performance measures are welcome, but measuring delivery is not necessarily the same as understanding impact. Counting jobs created or training opportunities provided tells us something important, but less about the difference those opportunities make to people’s lives.
There is also the wider question of what we mean by social value. Although the new model focuses on jobs and skills, outcomes relating to wellbeing, communities and the environment remain important. These are not always separate from employment and skills outcomes, and understanding how they connect will continue to matter.
What happens next?
There is still detail to emerge, particularly around Community Programmes and how the new reporting requirements will be applied.
In the meantime, organisations can start reviewing their existing social value commitments, considering how these align with the six award criteria and looking at the evidence they will need to demonstrate delivery.
Our briefing brings together what we know so far, what we’re keeping an eye on and where organisations can begin preparing for January 2027.
