Social Value TOMS In Tenders

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition that public procurement processes should go beyond simply selecting the lowest-cost option. Instead, the focus has shifted towards maximising social value. This shift has led to the introduction of Social Value Themes, Outcomes, and Measures (TOMS) as part of the tendering process. It is crucial for clients to understand what these TOMS are, why they have been introduced, and the impact they have had on the tendering process. 

What is Social Value?

Social value refers to the positive impact that an organisation or project can have on the wider society and the environment. It encompasses economic, social, and environmental outcomes that contribute to the overall well-being of communities. By considering social value, tendering processes aim to deliver not just financial benefits but also broader positive outcomes that meet the needs of society.

Introducing: Social Value TOMS

Social Value TOMS are a framework that helps define and measure the social value that can be delivered through a procurement process. TOMS consist of three main components:

1. Themes: Themes are overarching categories that capture the key areas of social value that are relevant to a particular project or tender. These can include (list non-exhaustive): employment and skills development; environmental sustainability; community engagement; and diversity and inclusion.
2. Outcomes: Outcomes are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART) goals within each theme. They provide clarity on the expectations of your business as part of the contract and the self-made commitments your business will need to outline and uphold to achieve goals. For example, an outcome could be to create job opportunities for marginalised communities or reduce carbon emissions.
3. Measures: Measures are the metrics used to evaluate and quantify the achievement of the desired outcomes. They enable the assessment of the social value delivered by your business and serve as a point of comparison for competing bids, informing the Commissioner’s decision to objectively award contracts.

The introduction of Social Value TOMS in the tendering process serves several important purposes:

1. Enhancing Community Well-being: By incorporating social value into procurement processes, public bodies seek to ensure that the projects they undertake benefit local communities and address societal challenges.
2. Driving Innovation: Social Value TOMS encourage you to think creatively and innovatively about how you can contribute to broader social and environmental goals. This leads to the development of more sustainable and socially responsible solutions.
3. Promoting Collaboration: The TOMS framework encourages collaboration between public bodies, suppliers, and stakeholders to identify and achieve meaningful social value outcomes. It fosters a collective approach towards addressing societal issues.

Impact on the Tendering Process

Social Value TOMS have had a significant impact on the tendering process:

1. Evaluation Criteria: Social value considerations now form an integral part of the evaluation criteria. This means that you not only need to demonstrate your ability to deliver the project effectively but also showcase your business’ commitment to achieving social value outcomes.
2. Wider Business Engagement: You and your business are now expected to engage with local communities, developing partnerships and creating employment and training opportunities. This necessitates stronger stakeholder engagement and collaboration during the bidding and delivery stages.
3. Bid Preparation: When engaging Your Tender Team, preparation of current social value being provided, and collaborative discussion and consideration of further social value you could provide as part of the bid, play a crucial role in helping incorporate value into your bid effectively. You must articulate to us how your solutions will align with the TOMS framework and clearly demonstrate the potential positive impact your business will have, which will inform the social value responses we write.
4. Outcome Measurement: Post-award, you will be required to track and report on the social value your business has delivered. This forces accountability and transparency and enables ongoing evaluation and improvement of social value outcomes.

Social Value TOMS have transformed the tendering process by placing a strong emphasis on social, economic, and environmental outcomes. Your Tender Team will work with you to understand and embrace these TOMS, helping you successfully navigate the evolving landscape of public procurement. By aligning bids with the Social Value TOMS framework, you can showcase your business’ commitment to creating a positive impact on society, and ultimately, contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Have Your Tender Professionally Written

We write hundreds of tenders and social value responses every year and can bring our experience to your bid. Your Tender Team also is a Social Value UK member. Our team can assist by either our Full Tender Write or Review and Evaluation services.

Get In Touch For A Quote

Complete the below form and one of our team will be in touch to discuss how we can assist you.