TOMs Framework

Themes, Outcomes and Measures (TOMs) Framework is a standardised measurement system for tracking and reporting social value outcomes in UK public procurement contracts.

How it works

The TOMs Framework provides a standardised approach to measuring social value delivery across public procurement. It consists of five themes: Jobs (employment opportunities), Growth (supporting SMEs and VCSEs), Environment (carbon reduction and sustainability), Innovation (promoting new solutions), and Social (community benefits and skills development).

Each theme contains specific outcomes with measurable indicators. For example, under the Jobs theme, outcomes might include "More local people in employment" with measures such as "Number of local direct employees hired" or "Number of apprenticeships created". The framework assigns proxy values to quantify social benefits in monetary terms, enabling consistent comparison across different contracts and suppliers.

Why it matters

The TOMs Framework addresses the challenge of measuring social value consistently across the public sector. Before its introduction, organisations struggled with inconsistent metrics and reporting methods, making it difficult to demonstrate compliance with the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012.

By providing standardised measurements, TOMs enables: - Consistent evaluation of tenders based on social value commitments - Comparable reporting across different contracts and suppliers - Clear accountability for social value delivery throughout contract performance - Better strategic planning for achieving social value objectives

Many public sector organisations, including councils, housing associations, and NHS trusts, have adopted TOMs as their preferred social value measurement system. The framework helps procurement teams set realistic targets, monitor progress effectively, and demonstrate tangible community benefits from public spending.

TOMs also supports suppliers by providing clear guidance on what social value activities are valued and how they will be measured, reducing uncertainty in bid preparation.