Successful Contract Tendering for Charities
More and more local authorities and other statutory agencies are making the transition to procurement of social care and health services through open tendering.
A recent assignment for Suffolk Deaf Association saw us working closely with them at short notice to achieve a contract worth circa £415,000 to deliver a range of hearing support services.
Ian Finch, Chairman of Suffolk Deaf Association said:
“Sarah Owen's help was pivotal in our winning three bids, each for five-year contracts, with Suffolk County Council Sensory Services. The highest scoring bid was 94.5% of the available scoring marks - which we understand may be the highest ever achievement.”
In the voluntary sector the move to open tendering presents an opportunity to some whilst causing great concern to others that find themselves facing the potential loss of the right to deliver their existing services. Charities which have been delivering health and social care services for many years are being required, and sometimes at quite short notice, to retender for service delivery which in some cases provides most, if not all of their income.
Whilst the pros and cons of open tendering can be debated, the reality is now that many charities are turning to professional bid writing support to give them the best chances of success. Charity Fundraising Ltd have supported many of our clients to produce top quality tender documents and an increasing proportion of new enquiries are from charities seeking support with tendering.
A positive aspect of the tendering process for any charity is that it causes management and trustees to stand back from the day to day concerns of service delivery and focus on the larger picture. The process is an opportunity for a charity to take a strategic view on the planning of their services.
The increasing shift to open tendering must be urgently heeded as a warning by voluntary organisations that are dependent on a narrow range of income sources. As well as ensuring any tender documents are of the highest quality, it is essential to spread risk by building a diverse range of other funding sources.
If your organisation could benefit from support with a contract tender, or if you are seeking to diversify your income streams, we can help.
Please get in touch with Graham Parker, Director on 01394 610581 or send us a message via our contact form.
