Delivering social value through ESPO frameworks
At ESPO, we are proud to have social value built into all of our framework solutions, providing a straightforward and speedy way to ensure your organisation is compliant with social value requirements.
Referring to the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, this is now being implemented alongside the Procurement Act 2023 with a new Social Value Model (PPN 002) becoming mandatory for public sector organisations from 1 October 2025.
What is social value?
Social value is about improving economic, social and environmental well-being through public spending. The requirements for this vary between different local authorities and public sector bodies, depending on their stakeholder requirements and the needs of their local areas.
When suppliers submit social value offers to customers, they should seek to match their offers with the customer’s desired social value deliverables. These may include:
Supporting local businesses and supply chains
Creating opportunities for local employment, training and apprenticeships
Reducing impact on the environment
Using sustainable products and materials
Social value through ESPO frameworks
The Cabinet Office encourages inclusion of social value where proportionate and appropriate to a framework contract. As this is becoming increasingly important with the launch of the Procurement Act 2023, we are all trying to do our bit to ensure we are offering a safe, fair and responsible service.
Typically, we assign a minimum weighting of 10% to social value in the award criteria of our frameworks, and ask the following two questions:
Commitment to social value
Suppliers are asked to demonstrate an understanding of social value, indicate whether they have a social value policy or programme in place, and discuss schemes currently in place within their organisation that positively impact the social, economic and environmental well-being of the areas in which they operate.
Social value experience
Suppliers are asked to provide an example of a social value initiative that they worked with a customer to implement, the outcomes of this initiative and how it linked to the customer's social value priorities.
The Procurement Act 2023
Following the UK's withdrawal from the EU, public procurement is transforming. The Procurement Act 2023, which launched 24 February 2025, introduces various advantages to streamline and enhance the overall procurement system.
We've used our 40 years of expertise to proactively prepare our frameworks in ensuring seamless continuity for our customers, regardless of the new regulatory environment.
Frameworks for sustainability
At ESPO, we understand that as a public sector buying organisation we have a duty to support the global drive towards a greener, sustainable future as outlined in our sustainability policy.
Therefore, we have collated a group of our most popular frameworks for the public sector designed to support your organisation's goals and procurement process.
