Tender writing is a key part of growing a care business, especially when it comes to securing contracts with local authorities. These contracts provide access to steady work, reliable income, and long-term sustainability—things every care provider needs to thrive.
But if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the process, you’re not alone. Many business owners and managers in the care sector, especially those who are neurodivergent or working in their second language, find tender applications tricky. At Team Care Compliance, we’ve seen it all: confusing criteria, complex forms, and tight deadlines.
The good news?
With the right approach, you can simplify the process and submit applications that give your business the best chance of success.
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Tender Writing is Important for Care Providers
Tendering isn’t just about filling out forms or ticking boxes—it’s about showing local authorities that your business can deliver high-quality, reliable care. Winning a tender means you’ve demonstrated that your services meet their specific needs, and it often leads to ongoing work through framework agreements.
Framework agreements are essentially lists of approved providers that local authorities turn to when they need specific services, such as domiciliary care, supported living, or residential placements. Being on that list means you’re positioned for long-term contracts and opportunities.
Pay attention to the local authority’s priorities or expectations and make sure your Tender is in alignment with them.
Breaking Down the Tender Process: What to Expect
Finding the Right Tender: Not all tenders will suit your business. Look for opportunities that match your service offerings and capacity. Websites like Contracts Finder and local authority portals are great starting points.
Understand the Criteria: Each tender comes with detailed criteria, scoring systems, and required documentation. This can include policies, financial statements, evidence of past performance, and staff training records. Knowing what’s required early can help you gather everything in advance.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t send the same application to every tender. Show how your business is aligned with the specific needs of that local authority. Highlight your strengths—whether it’s person-centred care, cultural competency, or your approach to staff retention and training.
Meeting the Deadline: Deadlines can be tight, so good planning is essential. Making a checklist or timeline for completing each section of the application can be really helpful.
Challenges Care Providers Face (And How to Overcome Them)
I work closely with my clients and I know that many care businesses face common hurdles when applying for tenders, including:
- Understanding technical language: I appreciate that Tender documents can be full of jargon, which makes them confusing, especially for those whose first language isn’t English. Try breaking the document into smaller, more manageable sections.
- Time management: With daily operations to run, many care providers struggle to find time to complete tenders properly. If you have a team of staff working with you, perhaps you can give sections of the document to different people – remember to set your own deadline so you can collate all the responses in plenty of time for the Tender deadline
- Demonstrating compliance: Local authorities want to know that you meet CQC standards and other regulatory requirements, so make sure your policies and reports are up-to-date. You want to demonstrate that your business has good practices.
You might also want to demonstrate how your business benefits the wider community or supports diverse and underrepresented groups because lots of local authorities now prioritise social value.
Why April is a Key Month for Tendering
April marks the start of the new financial year in the UK, which means many local authorities refresh their frameworks and release new tenders. This is a great time to apply for new contracts or renew existing ones. Being proactive now can set you up for success throughout the year.
How Team Care Compliance Can Support You (If You Need It)
Tender writing can be challenging, especially when you’re juggling the day-to-day operations of a care business. That’s why Team Care Compliance can offer support to fit your needs:
- Full application support: If you want someone to take care of the entire process, we can do that for you.
- One-on-one guidance: Prefer to do it yourself but need a little help? We offer personalized sessions.
- Application reviews: Already completed your application? We’ll review it to make sure it’s compliant and competitive.
Want to go even deeper into mastering tender writing? Join us at our upcoming event, where you’ll learn practical techniques, avoid common pitfalls, and get real-time guidance from experts. Click here for the details of our events and to sign up.
Our goal is to make the process easier and help you feel confident when applying for tenders. If you’d like to chat with us, feel free to reach out.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Tender writing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of what local authorities are looking for, you can set your business up for success. Take it step by step, involve your team, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
As the new financial year kicks off, now’s the time to start applying for those valuable local authority contracts. Remember, each successful tender is a step toward growing a sustainable, thriving care business.
Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! 🌟
Team Care Compliance is a veritable treasure chest of really useful information for care providers, so if you want to learn how we can support and enhance your care business, be sure to follow our updates on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X / Twitter. For more insights and behind-the-scenes stories, connect with TCC’s founder, Kerry McCulloch on her personal LinkedIn page.
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