How to Score Higher on Quality Questions in Social Care Tenders

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If your last few tenders missed the mark, chances are the quality questions tripped you up. These sections — covering things like safeguarding, risk management, staff recruitment, and service delivery — often carry the bulk of the score. But what exactly are commissioners looking for?

In this article, we break down how to approach quality questions more strategically and increase your chances of winning.

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📋 What Are Quality Questions?

Unlike pricing or compliance questions, “quality” questions assess how well you’ll deliver the service. Commissioners want to know:

• How safe and person-centred your care is
• How well you recruit, train, and support staff
• How you’ll manage risks, complaints, and performance
• What innovation or social value you’ll bring

Responses are usually scored against a published marking scheme, where only the most detailed and evidenced answers receive top marks.

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✅ Key Tips to Boost Your Scores

• Answer the question fully: Break down the wording and make sure every part is addressed — especially if it says “how” or “when”.
• Use evidence: Reference policies, CQC feedback, KPIs, or outcomes data. The more proof, the better.
• Tailor to the commissioner: Mention local priorities, demographics, and service needs. A generic answer will rarely win.
• Show the ‘how’: Avoid vague phrases like “we ensure” or “we strive”. Explain processes, frequency, and who is responsible.

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🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Copying and pasting from previous bids without tailoring
• Repeating service descriptions instead of focusing on the question
• Lack of structure — no headings, unclear formatting
• Forgetting to include policies, monitoring, or review processes

Always assume the person marking your bid doesn’t know your service. You must explain every step clearly.

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📥 Support Available

Struggling to write strong quality answers under pressure? Impact Guru Ltd offers downloadable method statements across key topics — including safeguarding, staff recruitment, social value, and quality assurance. All editable and aligned with CQC expectations and tender frameworks.

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