What to Expect in a Social Care Tender Interview (And How to Prepare)

The written submission isn’t the end of the tender process — it’s often just the beginning of scrutiny. If you’re invited to an interview or clarification meeting, treat it as a formal presentation, not an informal chat.

🎯 What Commissioners Are Looking For

Interview panels are assessing:

• Your understanding of the specification and local context
• Whether your leadership team aligns with the values they expect
• If your service is truly ready to mobilise — and if risks have been thought through

🧠 Common Interview Formats

• Panel Interviews — Often with 3–5 representatives from the commissioning team
• Clarification Meetings — More informal but still evaluative, especially on financials and risk
• Presentation and Q&A — You may be asked to present on key elements of your offer

📋 How to Prepare Effectively

• Know your bid inside out — Don’t contradict the written submission
• Anticipate difficult questions — Gaps, mobilisation risks, TUPE issues, or financials
• Send the right team — Not just managers, but those with operational or specialist insight

You only get one chance. Rehearse it like you would a pitch to an investor.