Why Commissioners Value PBS in Tenders (Even if They Don’t Say It Clearly)

Why Commissioners Value PBS in Tenders (Even if They Don’t Always Say It Clearly)


PBS Is an Expectation, Not Just a Buzzword

Commissioners may not always ask about Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) directly in their tender questions — but that doesn’t mean they don’t expect to see it reflected in your answers.

Modern commissioning frameworks for learning disability and autism services often reference person-centred care, restraint reduction, and outcome-focused approaches. All of these align closely with PBS principles.

When commissioners ask about how you support people with behaviours that challenge, they expect your answer to demonstrate PBS-aligned thinking — even if the question doesn’t use the PBS terminology explicitly.


What Commissioners Are Really Looking For

Even without naming PBS explicitly, commissioners are typically looking for services that demonstrate:

  • Person-centred approaches that respect autonomy and choice
  • Clear strategies to reduce restrictive practices
  • Staff training aligned with best practice (including PBS frameworks)
  • Strong evidence of outcomes and continuous improvement
  • Alignment with national standards and frameworks, such as the Restraint Reduction Network

Embedding PBS in Your Tender Responses

To meet commissioner expectations, your tender responses should clearly demonstrate how PBS principles underpin your service model, including:

  • How you support individuals to reduce incidents through proactive strategies
  • How PBS informs staff training, culture, and leadership
  • Evidence of improved outcomes linked to PBS interventions

Make these connections explicit — don’t assume commissioners will infer them.


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Chat on WhatsApp or email Mike.Harrison@impact-guru.co.uk

Updated for Procurement Act 2023 • CQC-aligned • BASE-aligned (where relevant)


Written by Impact Guru, editorial oversight by Mike Harrison, Founder of Impact Guru Ltd — bringing extensive experience in health and social care tenders, commissioning and strategy.

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