Securing Written Agreements After Verbal Negotiations: Protecting Your Position
You've had the negotiation call. You’ve agreed a revised price or tweaked your delivery model. Everyone seems happy. But has anything actually been confirmed?
In post-tender negotiations, verbal agreements can leave providers vulnerable if they aren’t followed up in writing.
📌 Why Written Agreements Matter
- Clarity: Commissioners and providers may interpret verbal changes differently. A written agreement avoids misunderstanding.
- Accountability: If disputes arise later, a clear record of what was agreed can be invaluable.
- Contract alignment: If changes affect KPIs, staffing levels, or pricing, the contract needs to reflect that—or you could be held to the original version.
🧾 What to Confirm in Writing
- Revised pricing: Specify amounts, units, and any limits or review points.
- Scope changes: Confirm if services have been scaled back or phased in differently.
- Performance measures: Agree on how outcomes will be monitored if changes affect delivery.
- Timelines and sign-off: Set deadlines for when written contracts will be issued and signed.
📤 How to Follow Up Professionally
Send a clear, professional email summarising the discussion and outlining what you understand to be agreed. Invite the commissioner to confirm or amend. Keep tone neutral and factual.
Example:
“Thank you for our discussion on [date]. As I understand it, we have agreed to revise the pricing to £X per unit, with delivery starting from [date]. Please could you confirm this in writing and advise when we can expect the updated contract paperwork?”
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Updated for Procurement Act 2023 • CQC-aligned • BASE-aligned (where relevant)