Social value in contracts
We are required to ‘consider, prior to undertaking the procurement process, how any services procured (whether covered by the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 or otherwise) might improve economic, social and environmental well-being'. This is stated in the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012.
Social value categories
There are three categories of social value:
- social – activities that promote a united community
- environmental – efforts to assist the community in reducing waste or pollution
- economic – training, employment or apprenticeship opportunities for disadvantaged groups
By adding that little bit extra to a contract (for free), it will help to:
- improve our economic, social and environmental wellbeing
- support us to reach our 2040 vision and Net Zero targets
How social value is added to a contract
We add social value questions to the tender documentation. It’s similar to the evaluation questions but focuses on what social value you can offer.
We will ask bidders to submit their social value offer with their bid. This is evaluated and scored alongside price and the quality evaluation criteria.
Social value is considered so important to Luton, it forms up to 20 percent of the overall score. The remaining 80 percent will be a split between quality and price.
What social value you can offer
Think of the context and value of the contract you are bidding for.
Your offer should be relevant to the contract, and the offer should be proportionate to the value.
We do not want you to go out of business or overestimate the price and loose the bid. We would like you to offer what you can deliver. Sometimes what you consider to be the smallest offer, makes a huge difference to the communities in Luton.
If you are successful in your bid, during the term of the contract and when you are ready to deliver the offer, make further contact with the organisation who would benefit from your offer and arrange when is best for you to deliver it with them.