Social Value TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, and Measures) is a widely recognised framework designed to help organisations measure and deliver social value in a structured, quantifiable way. It was developed by the Social Value Portal in partnership with the National Social Value Taskforce to ensure businesses, public sector organisations, and suppliers can demonstrate their contribution to society beyond economic benefits.

Key Components of the Social Value TOMs Framework

  1. Themes (T): These are the broad social value areas an organisation seeks to impact. Core themes include:

    • Jobs (Promoting local employment and skills)
    • Growth (Supporting local businesses and economic development)
    • Social (Stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities)
    • Environment (Sustainability and reducing environmental impact)
    • Innovation (Developing new ways to deliver social value)

  2. Outcomes (O): These are the specific, positive social impacts that align with each theme. For example:

    • More local people employed
    • Increased apprenticeships and training opportunities
    • Improved mental health and wellbeing support
    • Reduced carbon footprint and waste management initiatives

  3. Measures (M): These provide a way to quantify social value, often assigning financial or numerical values to specific activities. Examples include:

    • Number of local hires
    • Number of apprenticeships created
    • Volunteering hours contributed to community projects
    • Reduction in CO₂ emissions

Why is Social Value TOMs Important?

  • Procurement & Bidding – Many public sector contracts require bidders to demonstrate social value, and the TOMs framework helps to standardise measurement.
  • Transparency & Accountability – Provides a clear, evidence-based way to track social impact.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Helps businesses embed social good into their operations.
  • Community Engagement – Encourages stronger relationships between businesses and local communities.

Relevance to the Construction Industry

In construction, social value is increasingly a key factor in tendering processes. Companies can demonstrate social value through:

  • Hiring local workers and apprentices
  • Supporting mental health and wellbeing of workers
  • Engaging in community projects (e.g., school visits, skills training)
  • Implementing sustainable building practices
  • Partnering with local suppliers and SMEs

No. of full time equivalent direct local employees (FTE) hired or retained for the duration of the contract

 No. of full time equivalent local employees (FTE) hired or retained for the duration of the contract who are employed in your supply chain

No. of full time equivalent local employees (FTE) hired or retained on the contract who are long-term unemployed (unemployed for a year or longer)

No. of full time equivalent local armed forces veteran employees (FTE) hired or retained on the contract who are long-term unemployed (unemployed for a year or longer) and facing specific barriers to transitioning to civilian employment that do not qualify them as disabled (e.g. long-term service)

No. of full time equivalent local homeless employees (FTE) hired on the contract who are long-term unemployed

No. of full time equivalent local mothers returning to work (FTE) hired on the contract who are long-term unemployed (unemployed for a year or longer) - (when the mother is the primary carer)

No. of full time equivalent local employees (FTE) hired on the contract who are NOT in Employment, Education, or Training (NEETs)

No. of full time equivalent local 16-25 y.o. care leavers (FTE) hired on the contract

No. of full time equivalent local employees (FTE) aged 18+ years hired on the contract who are rehabilitating or ex-offenders.

No. of full time equivalent local employees (FTE) hired on the contract who are registered as unemployed

No. of staff hours spent on local school and college visits supporting pupils e.g. delivering career talks, curriculum support, literacy support, safety talks (including preparation time)

No. of weeks of training opportunities (BTEC, City & Guilds, NVQ, HNC - Level 2,3, or 4+) on the contract that have either been completed during the year, or that will be supported by the organisation until completion in the following years

No. of hours of 'support into work' assistance provided to unemployed people through career mentoring, including mock interviews, CV advice, and careers guidance

Total amount (£) spent with VCSEs within your supply chain

Provision of expert business advice to VCSEs and MSMEs (e.g. financial advice / legal advice / HR advice/HSE)

Equipment or resources donated to VCSEs (£ equivalent value)

Number of voluntary hours donated to support VCSEs (excludes expert business advice)

Demonstrate commitment to work practices that improve staff wellbeing, recognise mental health as an issue and reduce absenteeism due to ill health. Identify time dedicated for wellbeing courses

Donations and/or in-kind contributions to specific local community projects (£ & materials)

No. of hours volunteering time provided to support local community projects