How to Show Strong Safeguarding in Tenders (Beyond Just Policy)
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It’s tempting to write “We have a Safeguarding Policy” and move on. But in competitive tenders, that won’t score points. Commissioners want more than policies — they want proof of culture, leadership and practical systems that keep people safe.
🛡️ Go Beyond the Basics
Every bidder will say they have a policy. To stand out, show how safeguarding is:
- Woven into daily practice, not just documents
- Led from the top, with named safeguarding leads
- Backed by training, monitoring and learning cycles
🔍 Prove It with Practice
Use examples and evidence such as:
- How concerns are identified and acted on early
- Staff confidence to raise issues, backed by whistleblowing data
- Learning from safeguarding incidents and near misses
Good safeguarding practice is about vigilance, transparency, and action — not perfection or zero incidents.
💬 Use the Right Language
Avoid generic phrases. Instead of saying:
- “Staff are trained in safeguarding”
Say:
- “All staff complete annual safeguarding training. In 2024, 100% compliance was achieved, and our Safeguarding Lead conducted 3 internal refresher workshops focused on Making Safeguarding Personal.”
That level of detail builds trust and earns points.
🏆 Want to Score Higher?
Strong safeguarding responses help commissioners feel confident you’ll deliver safe, person-centred care. That can be the difference between a bid that’s ‘compliant’ and one that wins.
Make sure your next submission includes:
- Clear leadership structure with accountability for safeguarding
- Real examples of early intervention and partnership working
- Evidence of a culture that supports speaking up