Social value readiness check
Social value is about people. How ready are you to show it?
Behind every social value score is a person: a young person getting their first work placement, a care leaver starting a career, someone with a health condition staying in a job they love. From 1st January 2027, central government will score how your contracts help people like them.
Answer 20 questions to see where you're strong, where you're exposed and what to do next.
Who the new Social Value Model is for
PPN 026 focuses on good jobs and skills, particularly for people who face barriers to work. These are some of the groups it names.
Young people not in education, employment or training
First jobs, apprenticeships and work placements that open a door into your sector.
People moving from education into work
Placements and structured routes that turn qualifications into careers.
People with a long-term health condition or disability
Fair working conditions and the adjustments that help people stay and progress in work.
Care leavers
Recruitment and support that give people a fair start, often without the family network others rely on.
Guidance due from the Cabinet Office is expected to name further groups.
- Time
- About five minutes
- What it checks
- All six PPN 026 award criteria, plus how you deliver and evidence them
- What you get
- Your readiness score now, and a full breakdown with a prioritised action list by email
Based on PPN 026: The Social Value Model, published by the Cabinet Office (updated 28 October 2026). It applies to in-scope central government procurements of £1 million or more that start on or after 1 January 2027. This check is indicative. It doesn't replicate a buyer's evaluation or replace the published guidance, and it isn't legal advice.