Social Value Weightings: How the NHS Social Value Playbook’s 10% Requirement Shapes Future Tenders

📊 Social Value Weightings: How the NHS Social Value Playbook’s 10% Requirement Shapes Future Tenders

🔍 Why the 10% Weighting Matters

The NHS Social Value Playbook 2025 cements the 10% minimum weighting for social value as a standard across NHS procurement. This isn’t new, but the Playbook provides clarity and consistency — and that changes how providers need to respond in tenders.

💡 What This Means for Providers

• 10% is Non-Negotiable — NHS commissioners must apply this weighting consistently.
• Quality Over Quantity — Commissioners seek meaningful, measurable social value, not generic promises.
• Alignment to ICS Priorities — Social value activities must connect to local health priorities, not just your organisation’s goals.
• Competitive Advantage — Strong social value responses can tip scoring in your favour.

✅ How to Respond Effectively

• Use the Playbook’s headings as a guide for your structure.
• Provide clear evidence of delivery, monitoring, and outcomes.
• Demonstrate alignment with ICS and NHS Long Term Plan priorities.
• Show how social value contributes to quality, staff wellbeing, and sustainability.

📥 Bid Writing Support from Impact Guru

If you'd like help strengthening your tender responses to meet the 10% social value weighting, visit our Bid Writing for Social Care Providers page to see how we can support you.

Written by Mike Harrison, Founder of Impact Guru Ltd — specialists in bid writing and strategy for social care providers.
Visit impact-guru.co.uk to browse downloadable strategies, method statements, or get in touch about tender support.