Policies Are Not Paperwork — They’re How You Prove Quality

Think policies are just paperwork? Think again. For commissioners and inspectors, policies and procedures are your proof. They show you’ve thought things through, planned for risk, and embedded standards across your team.


📂 Why Policies Matter in Tenders

Every quality question is really asking one thing: “Can we trust you?” Policies help answer that. You’re not just describing good practice — you’re showing it’s formalised, understood, and followed.

Strong bids reference policies like:

  • Safeguarding and whistleblowing
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Staff supervision and training
  • Business continuity and emergency planning

✅ What Makes a Policy “Tender-Ready”

To support your bid, a policy must be:

  • Up to date — no review dates from 2019
  • Service-specific — not generic templates
  • Clear and practical — showing how things are actually done

Annexing policies in bids isn’t always allowed, but referencing them is expected. Make sure yours align with the claims you’re making.


🔍 What Inspectors Look For

CQC wants to see that your policies reflect:

  • The current Quality Statements (not outdated KLOEs)
  • Your regulated activity and client group
  • Evidence of review, staff training, and implementation

They’re not looking for perfect documents — they’re looking for policies that live in practice, not just on shelves.


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.

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