What the Procurement Act 2023 Means for Social Care Providers
Share
⚖️ What the Procurement Act 2023 Means for Social Care Providers
📜 Why This Matters Now
The Procurement Act 2023, which came into effect in October 2024, brings some of the most significant reforms to public sector procurement in decades. It applies across the NHS, local authorities, and other public bodies — and social care providers need to understand what’s changing if they want to remain competitive in tenders.
🔑 Key Changes Social Care Providers Must Know
- More Transparency — Commissioners will publish more information throughout procurement, including on decision-making and contract awards.
- Focus on Value, Not Just Price — The Act emphasises outcomes, social value, and innovation alongside cost.
- Simplified Procedures — New procedures aim to be quicker and more flexible, reducing complexity (especially for smaller providers).
- Challenge Mechanisms — There are clearer processes for providers to challenge unfair procurement decisions if needed.
💡 What This Means for Bidding
Social care providers need to prepare for:
- Stronger evidence of quality, social value, and local impact
- Closer alignment to commissioners’ published priorities
- More proactive use of clarifications to understand requirements
- Ensuring tenders reflect transparency, fairness, and proportionality
There will be opportunities for smaller and specialist providers — but also risks for those who fail to adapt.
📥 Bid Writing Support from Impact Guru
If you'd like expert support preparing your tenders under the Procurement Act 2023, visit our Bid Writing for Social Care Providers page to see how we can help strengthen your approach.
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.