UK Procurement Glossary
Procurement Policy Note (PPN)
UK Cabinet Office guidance documents setting mandatory or recommended practices for UK public sector procurement — for example PPN 06/20 on social value.
Definition
Procurement Policy Notes (PPNs) are UK Cabinet Office documents issued through the Crown Commercial Service that set mandatory or recommended procurement practices across UK central government and wider public sector. PPNs cover specific topics — social value (PPN 06/20), carbon reduction plans (PPN 06/21), payment performance, modern slavery, supplier exclusion — and are typically issued in response to government policy changes.
Key PPNs to know: PPN 06/20 (social value, in force across central government), PPN 06/21 (carbon reduction plan for contracts above £5m), PPN 03/24 (payment performance).
How this affects your bid
Track the PPNs relevant to your sector. Compliance is mandatory for central government bids; sub-central buyers (councils, NHS) often apply them by analogy. Reading and citing the relevant PPN in your bid signals professional awareness.
Common questions about procurement policy note (ppn)
Where can I read PPNs?
On gov.uk — search "Procurement Policy Note" or visit the Cabinet Office's procurement pages.
Are PPNs binding?
For central government, yes — typically mandatory. For wider public sector, often recommended but not always mandatory.
Related terms
Social Value
The additional economic, social and environmental benefits a supplier brings beyond the…
Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP)
A published supplier statement of carbon footprint and reduction commitments — required…
Procurement Act 2023
The UK's post-Brexit reform of public sector procurement law, in force from 24 February…
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