Care provider secures an NHS framework place

The challenge

A small care provider was preparing a response for an NHS community care framework. Two previous attempts had fallen short on social value, and the team needed to explain its existing contribution more clearly. The live competition included three national providers.

Our approach

We agreed the scope and took responsibility for the submission work. A healthcare specialist interviewed the team about staff volunteering, local employment and carbon reduction. We developed the answers around those existing activities and the scoring criteria in the tender pack.

The result

The response received 10/10 for social value and an overall score of 85/100. The provider secured a place on the framework, then £3.2M in call-offs within six months. That figure relates to subsequent orders, rather than the value of the framework appointment itself.

What the work focused on

• •An agreed scope and fee before writing began
• •A healthcare specialist working from the tender criteria
• •Interviews about existing employment, volunteering and environmental activities
• •Response work coordinated around the care team’s availability
• •Clear links between the provider’s activities and the questions asked