Welcome - to the website of Tendering for Care (TfC), specialists in public sector tendering support and tender writing for all care services including health, social, medical, nursing and primary care, GP and dental services, housing and consultancy.

The Autumn Programme of TfC Open Courses are published

Following a sell out programme of courses during the summer, with high demand for the programme to be repeated, we are pleased to announce our programme for the Autumn of 2010. Once again we will be concentrating on tendering for the providers of health and social care services

"How to Tender for Health and Social Care Contracts"

and our very successful advanced course which has, until now, been available on an "in-house" basis only

"Preparing Successful tenders - practical aspects for writing winning tenders"

This very practical course helps students discover how they can produce really competitive tenders

Full details can be found under the "TfC Open Courses in Tendering" heading on the top right of this page

Tendering and Procurement Practice OCN accredited Level 3 is now available for courses starting in the Autumn

full details and dates for Autumn 2010 courses can be found at www.tappocn.org.uk or by clicking the button, bottom right of tbhis page.

Financial difficulties Lie Ahead for Large Charities

A Charity Commission Report states that some large charities are likely to be facing falling from a financial cliff by March 2011 - in our blog on the right of this page - TfC explains why

Tendering Success for TfC Customers

During 2009, TfC's customers were awarded 273 contracts  by public sector purchasers with a total value of more than £135.5 million,  £13,3 million in the first 10 days of December alone. These successes continue into the first three months of 2010 with 62 tenders won worth just over £45 million. TfC can therefore claim to be the leading national provider of tendering training, tender writing sevices and related support to companies and charities in the health, social and medical care, housing, support and consultancy sectors. TfC is able to offer its customers the benefits of 17 years of experience of managing large public sector budgets, and public sector tenders; a further 18 years experience of writing health, social care and medical bids and tenders, plus current experience of procurement management and tender appraisal.

We are able to help with tender and bid writing at short notice. Typically the authoring of a tender Method Statement takes in the region of 28 hours, but this will vary depending on the content.

TfC's Primary focus.....

........is on effective tender and bid preparation for public services contracts in a health and social care of all kinds. This includes all types of medical care; housing care and support; care homes; domiciliary and child care; elderly and childrens services; primary and medical care;  and for companies, charities and other independent providers. Increasingly we are being asked for help with tenders for personalisation services, brokerage and re-enablement.

One TfC Member said - with contracts worth more than £3million won in 2009, what we pay you is tremendous value for money and out of all proportion to the benefits which we receive - Thank you

Do you deliver health, social or medical care services; housing support or consultancy services under a contract with the public sector for example with a Local Authority Adult or Children's Services Department, a PCT; the NHS; or orther government agency?

Are your service agreements coming to an end in the coming months requiring you to re-tender to continue to deliver your current contracts?

Do you need practical help to to ensure that your company, charity or organisation is fully compliant with  the requirements of the public sector or to write a winning tender or bid?

Is tender writing the best use of the time of your busy and expensive Senior Managers who may not be specialists in this discipline?

Could outsourcing your tender writing, bid preparation and organisation compliance functions provide you with cost effective options?

TfC Offers....

......confidential, professional and effective tendering support services.

TfC Membership provides a cost effective option - for more information please click on "TfC Membership" at the top right of this page for a Summary Leaflet and The Rgistration Pack for 2010 which includes Full details and an application form.

The TfC Tendering Support Suite enables you to purchase the precise type of help which you need, when you need it

Services available - for details of the following services please click on "TfC Support Suite" at the top right of this page.:

• Tender authoring - a complete tender writing and bid preparation service, working to your instructions;
• Tender review - you can improve the quality of your tender by having your draft reviewed by one of our experts;
• Documentation review - an assessment of all of your company's policies, systems and procedures which are essential for your tendering success;
• Mentoring - flexible support, when you  need it, for preparing your tender or planning for the presentatikon/interview phase of the tendering process;
• Challenging the purchaser's decisions - help to know when challenges might be possible following a failure by the purchaser to comply with the Procurement Regulations, subsequent legislation and court judgements;
  
• Due Diligence for Tendering - a review of your company, using the techniques and systems employed by public sector purchasers when appraising your tender, and reporting where improvements or mitigation may be possible and helpful;
• A Development Programme - covering the four stages necessary where successful tendering involves collaborative working, sub-contracting, consortium formation or merger - please click on "Collaborate and Tender Successfully" at the top right of this page;

Tendering and procurement related training - a comprehensive programme is available for delivery in-house to managers, staff, Boards of Directors and Trustees - please click on "Training Courses for Delivery in-house" at the top right of this page;

The only professional qualification in tendering for public sector contracts - Tendering and Procurement Practice is accredited at Level 3 by the Open College Network (OCN) - please click on the "Tendering and Procurement Practice" link, lower right of this page or go to www.tappocn.org.uk for more details.

Customers of TfC have said:

...in just six months we have come a long way in this tough world of tendering and we certainly feel that TfC have been key in helping us get there

Joining TfC was one of the best decisions we have ever made.

Many thanks for all your help in guiding us from what were PQQ difficulties to such a huge and significant win for our organisation. I think this is evidence enough of the huge impact you have had on us. [This customer had secured contracts for a total of 1,165 care hours per week over a period of five years] 

Training Courses during 2009

2009 has proved to be the busiest year yet for TfC with 180 workshops delivered; a further 38 by telephone conference, a total of 2,970 people attended our training during the year. These included the students who completed the pilot phase of our OCN Accredited course Tendering and Procurement Practice. During the second half of 2009 we undertook wide ranging research to identify what companies and other organisations wishing to tender for public sector contracts need now in terms of training courses.

The basic tendering course for health and social care providers provides an understanding of the tendering regulations, what the purchasers are looking for, how tenders ae appraised and how to improve the score awarded. This is offered  specifically for companies, practice managers, Boards of Directors,  professional associations and other independent providers in the Health and Social Care sector,

During Summer 2010 this is available as a one day course. Please see "TfC Open Courses in Tendering" top right of this page.

TfC Public Procurement Glossary 2010

The authoritative TfC Glossary of terms used in public sector tendering was first published in 2007. Over the first three years since publication the Glossary has been downloaded more than 900 times. The updated 2010 version which includes more than 70 headings, is available for download by clicking on the link at the top right of this page.

Successful OCN Audit

Project Development and Suport Ltd., which is the company who provides the TfC Suite of Services were delighted to have passed the Open College Network (OCN) Annual Audit with flying colours. The process also confirmed that all eleven students who completed in the Tendering and Procurement Practice (TaPP) Pilot course earlier in 2009 have qualified at level 3. Many congratulations to these students and we are delighted to be able to provide an accredited recognition for all of their hard work. For more about the TaPP course click on the link - below right, or go to www.tappocn.org.uk

New procurement Thresholds

The procurement thresholds for advertising in the Official Journal of the European Union for the two years from 01.01.10 were published. For details click on the Roundup Extra link on the right of this page.

Roundup and Due Diligence Guidance

The October 2009 issue of Roundup  is now available for download from the right ahnd side of this Page. TfC have also published a general introduction to Due Diligence for Tendering which can also be downloaded.

TfC Consortium Development Programme

The programme has been developed specifically to help organisations who wish to tender for contracts which are widely specified, thus requiring two or more providers to work together to deliver the service. Full details can be downloaded from the section "Collaborate and Tender Successfully" top right of this page

The TaPP Course

 Congratulations to the eleven members of the pilot group for the course - all of whom passed !!

Following a fifteen months of development work and a successful pilot course for 14 students, Project Development and Support Ltd, the parent company of Tendering for Care, can now offer the only professional qualification in tendering and procurement for Senior Managers, Practice Managers, Business Development Managers, Independent providers of care or medical services,  Staff in infrastructure organisations advising others, CEOs and other staff with responsibility for prpeparing tenders in charities and companies and independent care providers. Courses in Tendering and Procurement Practice (TaPP) Open College network are accredited at level 3 with 6 credits, are available starting in March 2010.  Courses are delivered by distance learning and telephone conferencing. Major grant funding may be available towards fees. Places are in demand so early booking is advised. For full documents, details of grant funding, course dates and Registration Form go to www.tappocn.org.uk or click on the button at the bottom right of this page.

Thankyou and No Complaints

We would like to thank all those companies, organisations and individuals who have sent us messages of thanks, good wishes and support during 2009. It is gratifying to know how much our training and services are appreciated. It is also good to hear from those who have attended our training courses over the past two years and gone on to win contracts as a result. The following message probably sums up those received:

"its funny how people prefer to 'fluff' with reality and go into denial, straight talking generally upsets a few but I am sure the huge majority have benefited from your straight talking, like us"

A comment regarding a recent tender submitted by an organisation who had both attended TfC training and received mentoring help with tender preparation was:

The organisation was willing to accept the advice they received and this led to feedback on their successful tender submission from the council as ‘a master class in how to complete a tender’ More evidence that your input has worked!

The following comment from a course delivered on 3rd June 2009 is typical:

1st class, very informative course - one of the best I have been on for a long time - thank you!

The Handy Guide - to Tendering and Procurement

 A new FREE Guide to the principles which underpin tendering and procurement.

Produced in response to a huge demand from people attending the courses which TfC has delivered over the past three years. This Guide is intended for Directors of Companies; Trustees of Charities;  senior managers and front line staff not engaged in tender preparation; indeed anybody who needs to understand how the system works, but not about the detail.

The Handy Guide can be downloaded by following the links to the right of this page.

TfC Retain Accreditation and are upgraded to 2001:2008 standard - choosing a suitable accreditation  body  

Following an annual audit in July 2010, TfC were delighted to be awarded their third renewal of the ISO 9001certification and were upgraded to the new ISO 2001:2008 standard. This is an essential quality standard for all organisations planning to tender for public sector contracts, regardless of their size. Some advisers claim that ISO 9001:2008 has value only if it is awarded by UKAS. This is not correct. What is  important is that the organisation offering the management quality standard is itself externally accredited to an appropriate standard. When offering a management quality standard the awarding  body should be expected to hold, for example, ISO 170021, 170024, 170025 etc.. It would be misleading for any organisation to claim to offer an accredited standard if it is not itself appropriately accredited. Such organisations and standards are best avoided.

The ISO 9001:2008 has been redrawn so that although there is still a degree of industry focus, there is now explicit inclusion of services standards as well as a greater emphasis on customer/client invovlement and satisfaction. The standard is therefore entirely suitable for providers of health and social care services as well as voluntary sector organisations. Please see our document "ISO 9001 - facts and fallacies to the right of this page"

A Guide to Working in a Consortium was published by the OTS

The Office for the Third Sector has published "Working in a Consortium: A Guide for Third Sector Organisations Involved in Public Service Delivery". The final edit of the Guide was undertaken by Janet Roberts of Tendering for Care, and is acknowledged in the Guide. The Guide can be downloaded from the link on the right of this page. 

Two supporting resources are available from TfC

a) The "TfC Twelve Golden Rules for Tendering as a Consortium"  is a single page checklist intended for use by groups in considering whether or not a consortium approach is feasible for their organisations. The Rules provide an indication of the amount of work invovled if a consortium is to tender successfully. They are also useful as a guide to help governing bodies to understand the implications of this approach The Golden Rules can be downloaded from the link on the right of this page.

b) "Tendering as a Consortium" is a CD which provides technical information for those managing collaborative working and consortium development. The Guide is linked to the relevant legislation, sets out the three basic consortium models and includes checklists for those planning to participate in or lead a consortium. The Guide is available from TfC (Contact details are at the bottom of this page) for £30 including VAT, post & packing. Please note that we are unable to invoice for this product, cheque with order only.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a leaflet about the CD

"How to Work in a Consortium" now available as an in-house seminar

 Following our successful series of courses on How to Work in a Consortium, this seminar is now available as an in-house course. Based on the OTS Guide, the day event is practical and delivered in a groupwork style.  Learners receive a short list of required pre-course reading. They leave the seminar with the TfC Workbook "How to Work in a Consortium" containing checklists, where to start, model confidentiality and other agreements including documents essential to the effective development of the consortium and to be in a position to successfully compete for and manage a public sector contract. This is in addition to supporting CDs which provide relevant background information. The day is interactive, packed with useful tools and tips.

Contact us to discuss your requirements.

MentoringIn response to requests we have been happy to hold one-off or a series of mentoring sessions on any tendering and procurement related matters. These are now available to companies, organisations and individuals engaged in tendering for public sector contracts.

This is your opportunity to discuss specific tenders or tendering problems with Tendering and Procurement experts.

For more information about this or any other of the TfC Tendering Support Suite of Services click on the link at the top right hand side of this page.

If a Face-to-face session is required then this can be arranged to take place inChesterfield or London. We can accommodate groups of 1 to 4 people. These mentoring sessions usually last for about 2hours by arrangement.

Please contact us for more details - Telephone 01629 57501

TfC Wins a National Training Award

On 21st October 2008, during a ceremony in Nottingham TfC received a National Training Award for the East Midlands. This recognises, not just excellence in training, but also the demonstrable effects which that training is having for its learners. The award confirms TfC's status as the leading national provider of training in tendering and procurement. It also confirms that those who undergo the training which TfC provides have a much improved chance of success when tendering for public sector contracts. The judges said of TfC:

the design and delivery of the training is well tailored to meet the [learners'] needs. The support given to the voluntary sector is very impressive and well worthy of recognition.

 TfC are extremely grateful to all those individuals and organisations who have supported us over the past three years and have made this success possible. We are especially grateful to NAVCA for their support. Kevin Curley, the Chief Executive said:

Members who have attended the training have given their organisations the best possible chance of success in a competitive tendering situation.

One aspect of the Award was the ongoing help and support which is available from TfC

TfC Membership - 2010/11

The Membership of TfC continues to grow on a daily basis. We now send weekly information out to just under 400 Members. The value of Membership is being demonstrated as our Members continue to win contracts  around the country. In early October the 200th contract win during 2009 so far was announced, with three months still to go and some results not to be announced until well into 2010. It will probably be in March next year that we will know the final number of contracts won as a result of 2009 tenders. One member said:

"The amount which we pay for Membership of TfC is out of all proportion to the benefits which we receive - this is a very high value service"

A CVS Member told us:

"It is great that this service is being provided for voluntary sector organisations - also good to know that you are there when we or our members need help"

The TfC Membership rates remain unchanged for the pack please click on the "TfC Membership" heading at the top right of this page

So What is a Part B Service?

 Part B services are those to which some rather than all of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 apply. They include almpst all tenders for health, social care and medical contracts. As with all other good and services procured across the EU, each is identified by a "CPV code". To down load the codes and for an explanation of how to identify exactly which services come under the heading of Part B, and therefore can be purchased with compliance with sections of the Regulations only click on the link called "New CPV Codes" on the right of this page. Remember that all services, including those which fall under Part B, MUST be procured in an open and transparent way which does not prevent, hinder or distort competition. It is interesting to note that public sector p;urchasers are increasingly electing to advertise tenders for P{art B contracts Europe-wide even though they are  not required to do so. A recent court case confirmed that should a tender be advertised Europe-wide then all of the Procurement Regulations apply to the tendering process.

Over 7,000 people trained in two years

The number of people trained in procurement and tendering related matters over the two year period ending in December 2009 exceeded the 7,000 figure - and the demand keeps growing. It is now clear that TfC is having an effect upon the procurement of services provided by third and voluntary sector organisations nationwide. Perhaps the clearest evidence of this arose from a series of training events in Gloucestershire. These led to the organisations themselves telling Commissioners what they could and could not do in the procurement and tendering process. The culmination was in an excellent day when we provided training for 22 Commissioning officers for Gloucestershire County Council. Some comments from those present: Really useful Workshop interactive with an impressive amount of information;V ery useful; I am leaving with a much clearer view of the issues involved

Overall Satisfaction Rates reported in feedback from our Training continue to be exceptionally high.91% were Very Satisfied8.93% were Satisfied

Group Membership for National companies or umbrella organisations with a regional structure

There is no such ting as "tender readiness" in a rapidly changing procurement and contracting environment , commissioning officers and purchasers are learning as quickly as the suppliers. One of the keys to successful tendering is keeping up with developments as they happen. Our Group Membership Scheme has been designed to help companies and organisations ensure that all their regional managers and staff keep up to date with regad to tendering related matters. This package offers information as well as "hands-on" help with tender preparation through our Tender Revierw service..

For details pleaseclick on the "Group Membership" link in the top right hand corner of this page.

Keeping Updated on Tendering and Procurement Matters on a Weekly Basis

The saying "Knowledge is Power" has never been more appropriate than in the world of procurement. Tendering is a highly competitive process, and as with all competitions the best prepared competitors stand the best chance of winning. TfC produces two weekly e-journals. One, entitled upDATE is designed to provide news, government documents and information which is influencing Commissioning Officers and purchasers around the country. The second, entitled Staying Ahead provides the very latest guidance and information directly from the world of procurement.

For information as to how you can receive these highly valued publications and "Staying Ahead" please click on the link in the top right hand corner of this page.

Of the training delivered at the fourteen Tendering Workshops for a national body the organisers said:

"You are the most popular trainer we have ever worked with"

We received a lovely comment following a recent Workshop

"I keep bumping into people who were on your recent course and they all want to talk about it and do so in very positive terms!!! A Chief officer of a children's charity was not only saying glowing things about you and the information she gained in a recent meeting but clearly she is now very motivated to get her organisation tender ready. A BIG vote of thanks to you!"

Some more quotes from Workshops:

*This Workshop is brilliant -aimed at the right level and not at all patronising to the voluntary sector. Many thanks superbly facilitated!

*Brilliant day - inspirational - MANY thanks

*Fantastic!

*Fascinating - Thank you

*Covered so much in detail - I found it very useful and informative

*The best workshop I have ever attended

*Excellent content and delivery - pitched at the right level

For more information please

Telephone 01629 57501

Fax 01629 584972

e-mail info@tenderingforcare.com