PPN 002: What you need to know about the new social value model
The introduction of Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 002 will make significant changes to how public sector organisations approach social value within procurement. PPN 002 builds on previous policies like PPN 06/20, which established that SV should account for at least 10% of procurement evaluation scores.
This new policy requires a deeper commitment to generating positive social outcomes that align closely with key national priorities, such as economic growth, environmental sustainability, community wellbeing, and support for essential services like the NHS.
Historically, social value has sometimes been treated as an add-on in procurement decisions. However, PPN 002 places social value firmly at the heart of procurement processes. From 1 October 2025, public contracts will explicitly need to demonstrate how they contribute meaningfully to societal goals.
Social value is integrated throughout our operational strategies and procurement processes, helping to ensure our projects consistently align with both client-specific goals and broader national policy objectives. This approach helps to ensure that social value becomes a core element of contract delivery rather than merely a compliance checkbox.
Here are a few tips on how you can enhance and track your social value commitments.
Ensuring accountability from start to finish
PPN 002 introduces stricter requirements for transparency and accountability throughout the contract lifecycle. Suppliers must now actively track, evidence, and communicate their social value impacts regularly.
Using sophisticated measurement tools, including the National Themes, Outcomes, and Measures (TOMs) Framework and our One Data World platform, has enabled us to deliver clear, quantifiable evidence of social value outcomes. Our ongoing partnership with the Social Value Portal helps to ensure that commitments made at the outset are effectively monitored and reported, maintaining transparency and trust.
The power of collaborative partnerships
To truly deliver impactful social value, collaboration between suppliers, customers, and local communities is essential. PPN 002 encourages deeper relationships and tailored initiatives that reflect genuine community needs and deliver measurable benefits.
Our work with British Sugar and Access Community Trust highlights the effectiveness of such partnerships. Through tailored local initiatives like apprenticeship programmes, facility improvements, and targeted community projects, we have generated significant, measurable social outcomes - including £70,000 in tangible social value contributions - demonstrating how meaningful partnerships amplify social impact. You can read more about that project in our white paper: How FM providers can help businesses unlock social value.
Another example is our collaboration with customer Anglican Water to support The Feed, a social enterprise that works to prevent poverty, hunger and homelessness in Norwich. They operate several cafés across the region that offer vital work experience to disadvantaged people, as well as a ‘Social Supermarket’ that provides food for those who are financially struggling. A key part of our support has been to training opportunities and access to employment. The training covers a range of helpful and practical topics such as how to set up an email account and advice on accessing the internet safely, to tackle digital exclusion and help to improve the wellbeing of disadvantaged and underrepresented groups. Read more in our case study.
Data-driven strategies for impactful outcomes
To effectively meet the enhanced expectations of PPN 002, public sector organisations must harness robust, data-led strategies. Accurate, real-time data enables informed decisions and allows organisations to maximise their social value impact.
We leverage our Insight Intelligence service and One Data World platform to provide precise, real-time insights into social value performance. Additionally, our expertise in carbon and asset management aligns sustainability objectives with operational efficiency, creating integrated strategies that achieve both social and financial benefits.
Preparing for the future
PPN 002 presents both challenges and opportunities for organisations to deliver genuine social impact. We have a strong track record, delivering £104 million in social value across various sectors in 2022–23 alone. Our expertise, combined with advanced analytics, strategic alignment with policy, and proven collaborative methods, positions us uniquely to help organisations achieve their social value goals effectively and efficiently.
EMCOR UK is ready to help you navigate these changes effectively. Contact us to learn how we can support your organisation in creating meaningful, measurable, and impactful social value outcomes.
Read more about our social value commitments, and contact us to discuss how we can support your business.
