Event Summary

From 1st January 2027, every central government contract worth £1 million or more must prove it delivers Good Jobs and Skills.

With around £90 billion spent on central government contracts each year, PPN 026 represents a significant shift in how social value is assessed. For contracts worth £5 million or more, the social value weighting will double from 10% to 20%, with stronger requirements to measure and report delivery.

Join Westminster Insight’s popular Social Value in Procurement Conference as the new rules take effect. Understand what has changed and what it means for commissioners, bidders and contract managers navigating the transition. 

Join our expert speakers as they explore the revised Model Award Criteria, including creating and retaining good jobs, fair working conditions, opportunities for people facing barriers to employment, and training to address skills shortages.

For contracts worth £5 million or more, at least one social value KPI will be required, with performance reported publicly. Evidence of poor performance against these commitments may also be considered when determining whether suppliers can compete for future contracts.

Hear how suppliers, SMEs and VCSEs are preparing for implementation, including the implications of the new £1 million threshold and how to deliver meaningful social value without creating unnecessary barriers for smaller organisations.

With detailed Cabinet Office guidance due in Autumn 2026, gain practical insight into selecting the right award criteria, evaluating bids, setting meaningful metrics, and demonstrating delivery.

Key points

  • Applying the revised Model Award Criteria: Focusing social value on good jobs, skills and opportunities
  • Meeting new KPI and public reporting requirements for contracts worth £5 million and above
  • Navigating the new £1 million threshold and its implications for SME and VCSE participation
  • Strengthening supply-chain diversity where it is no longer directly scored under the Social Value Model
  • Creating opportunities for target cohorts: Including NEETs, care leavers, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and those transitioning from education to employment
  • Addressing local skills gaps: Working with communities to deliver targeted training, apprenticeships, and work experience
  • Applying the new guidance to live procurements: Embedding the requirements into active procurement, bid evaluation and contract management.

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