Procurement · impact · evidence
Social value reporting software: choose the method first
Social value software can mean tender scoring, commitment tracking or impact measurement.
Begin with the UK Social Value Model and procurement context, then match the tool to the specific workflow.
Social Value International maintains an accredited software directory.
The directory describes its own review scope; it is not a ranking or a universal effectiveness guarantee.
Separate the workflows
What kind of social value work is the software for?
For public procurement, identify the applicable policy, contract and evaluation method.
For wider impact work, identify the outcomes, stakeholders, valuation method and evidence.
A single label can conceal materially different jobs.
Under the Procurement Act, social and other public benefits form part of the contracting authority’s assessment of public benefit; policy and statutory duties should be checked in context.
See the Social Value Model explainer.
Owner evidence
How to read an accredited software directory
Social Value International describes directory entries as products created by its organisational members or networks, reviewed by SVI and accredited as showing alignment with its Principles.
Verify the current entry and stated scope directly in the owner directory.
Examples of vendor descriptions include Social Value Portal’s platform for procurement and reporting, and Thrive’s own description of commitment management and evidence collection. These are vendor statements, not independent product assessments.
No vendor is ranked here.
The demonstration
Test the method and the evidence
Ask the vendor to identify the model or standard behind each output, show the calculation inputs and explain how a reviewer can inspect, correct and export the underlying record.
Software demo · evidence check
Social value demo coverage
Tick a test only when the vendor has demonstrated it with a representative record and shown the evidence or export.
0 of 4 tests demonstrated (0%). This is a checklist result, not a score for the vendor.
Still to test: Name the framework, model and version behind an output; Trace a reported outcome to stakeholder evidence and period; Reproduce the calculation, proxy or valuation method; Export the evidence, assumptions and review history.
Illustrative buyer case
How might a UK supplier responding to a public tender test a software claim?
Illustrative only: a supplier wants to organise tender commitments and later report delivery.
It checks the authority’s stated evaluation method, maps each proposed outcome to evidence and tests whether the tool distinguishes a bid forecast from measured delivery.
One record, checked end to end
Source
One record, checked end to end
Method
One record, checked end to end
Review
One record, checked end to end
Output
Order of work
What should happen before a software decision?
Buyer sequence
1. Identify the contracting context and model
Buyer sequence
2. Define commitments and outcome measures
Buyer sequence
3. Test evidence and calculation logic
Buyer sequence
4. Review, report and export delivery records
Decision points
What should the buyer carry into the decision?
- A tender scoring model is not the same as broad impact accounting.:A tender scoring model is not the same as broad impact accounting.
- Directory status has a defined scope: verify the current owner listing.
- Vendor descriptions are claims: request a reproducible demonstration.
Ask the vendor to show the method, source evidence and audit trail for one outcome from commitment through reporting.
Related guidance
Where to check the context?
Frequently asked
Questions people ask
What does social value reporting software do?
Products use different approaches: procurement scoring, commitment tracking, impact measurement, valuation or reporting.
Specify the job and method before comparing a product label.
Is social value software required for UK tenders?
The rules and procurement policy apply to contracting authorities and the relevant procurement.
They do not create a universal obligation for every supplier to buy a particular product.
Does an accredited directory mean a product is endorsed?
Social Value International says its directory entries have been reviewed and accredited as showing alignment with its Principles.
That is a defined directory status, not a general performance guarantee or uksrs endorsement.
Is PPN scoring the same as impact measurement?
No. A procurement award model and an organisation’s wider impact-measurement method can serve different purposes.
Ask the vendor to identify the framework and calculation behind each output.
Sources
Primary sources
Every figure, date and status on this page traces to the instrument’s owner.
Secondary commentary is never the source for a number.
- Social Value InternationalAccredited Tools and Software directory
- Social Value PortalPlatform
- ThriveSocial Value Software
- Cabinet OfficePPN 002: taking account of social value in the award of contracts
- Cabinet OfficePPN 026: applying the Social Value Model
- LegislationPublic Services (Social Value) Act 2012
- LegislationProcurement Act 2023, section 12
- LegislationProcurement Act 2023, section 45
- LegislationProcurement Act 2023, section 46
- Cabinet OfficeSocial Value Model
- Cabinet OfficeSocial Value Model: award criteria
- Social Value InternationalPrinciples of Social Value
- Social Value InternationalAbout Social Value International
- Social Value PortalSocial Value TOM System
- Impact AdvantageSocial impact software