How Tendering Trends Are Reshaping Social Care Opportunities
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How Tendering Trends Are Reshaping Social Care Opportunities
Why Tendering Trends Matter to Providers
Commissioners are changing how they approach tenders. This impacts not just how you write your bids — but also what types of opportunities exist, how contracts are structured, and the expectations placed on providers.
Understanding these trends helps you anticipate change, focus your efforts, and stay competitive in a shifting marketplace.
What Trends Are Emerging?
- Focus on Outcomes Over Inputs: Specifications increasingly emphasise measurable outcomes for people supported, not just the services delivered.
- Integration of Health and Social Care: Opportunities are emerging that require providers to align with NHS priorities, not just local authority commissioning.
- Increased Scrutiny on Quality and Risk: Greater emphasis is being placed on quality assurance, safeguarding, and governance structures to manage risks proactively.
- Social Value as a Standard: Social value commitments are becoming more sophisticated and central to tender evaluations.
- Frameworks and DPS Models: Many areas are moving towards frameworks and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS), changing how and when opportunities arise.
How to Adapt Your Strategy
- Review and refresh your bid library and method statements to ensure alignment with current trends.
- Strengthen your evidence base with up-to-date examples of outcomes, quality assurance, and social value delivery.
- Consider how your service model aligns with integration agendas and future commissioning priorities.
- Monitor framework and DPS opportunities in your area — even if you’re not currently bidding, these shape future pipelines.
- Invest in team training to ensure staff are confident writing tenders that meet evolving expectations.
Practical Resources to Help You Stay Ahead
- ➡️ Social Care Strategies Collection
- ➡️ Quality Assurance Method Statements
- ➡️ Bid Strategy & Training for Social Care Providers
Written by Mike Harrison, Founder of Impact Guru Ltd — specialists in bid writing and strategy for social care providers
Visit impact-guru.co.uk to browse downloadable strategies, method statements, or get in touch about tender support.