26060 Domestic Abuse Refuge Provision
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The real focus isn't just the refuge
When you look at this tender, it's easy to focus on the physical provision of refuges.
But that's just the shell.
Cambridgeshire County Council is looking for a partner who understands the human side of this service — the support and safety it provides to vulnerable women and children.
The contract includes three refuges across different areas, each supporting up to 32 women and their children at any one time. The real goal here is to create a safe, stable environment where families can begin to rebuild their lives.
That's what this contract is truly about.
Think about the people behind the numbers
Yes, the numbers are important.
Three refuges. Up to 32 women and their children per refuge.
But behind every number is a person — a woman escaping abuse, a child in need of stability and reassurance.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to see how you plan to meet the emotional and practical needs of these individuals.
What does your support programme look like for both women and children?
How do you plan to create a welcoming and secure atmosphere in each refuge?
What most bidders will overlook
Many bidders will focus on the logistics: securing buildings, staffing, compliance.
All important, but not unique.
What will set you apart is your approach to support services.
I'd look for evidence of a holistic approach — mental health support, educational programmes for children, life skills training for women.
This isn't just about providing a roof over someone's head. It's about supporting a journey to recovery and independence.
Pay attention to what they say
The council is clear about its priorities.
They need a service that not only provides accommodation but also delivers robust support for women and children.
They've earmarked a significant value of £2,389,500 for this contract, reflecting the importance of quality support services.
Quality here isn't just a buzzword. It's a commitment to ensuring every woman and child receives the care they need.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver excellent services.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence of successful outcomes from similar projects, show it.
- Testimonials from women who have used your services
- Case studies demonstrating successful outcomes
- Data on improved wellbeing and independence
Evidence will give your bid weight.
Don't underestimate the lot structure
This tender is divided into three lots, each covering a different area: Cambridge City or South Cambs, Fenland or East Cambs and Huntingdonshire.
Each area will have its own distinctive community needs and challenges.
Tailor your approach to each lot. Show you understand the local context.
How will you engage with existing community support networks in each area?
Consistency over the whole term matters
The contract runs until 31 March 2030, with the possibility of extension to 2032.
Consistency will be crucial.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how I plan to maintain high standards over the entire term.
Consider staffing challenges: sickness, turnover, recruitment.
What systems do you have in place to ensure consistent support and service delivery?
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Remember, this isn't just about winning a contract.
It's about making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Every decision, every policy, every procedure should be anchored in this reality.
Does your response reflect the needs of the women and children who will rely on your service?
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on logistical aspects without addressing support services
- Lack evidence of past success in similar projects
- Ignore the specific needs of children within the refuges
- Fail to demonstrate understanding of local community dynamics
- Overlook the importance of maintaining consistency over the contract term
- Provide generic responses that don't address the specific requirements of each lot
- Neglect to outline a clear plan for staff training and retention
My Final Thoughts
Cambridgeshire County Council is looking for more than just a service provider. They need a partner who will bring empathy, understanding and a holistic approach to this vital service.
The contract is valued at £2,389,500 over three years, potentially extending to five.
This underscores the importance placed on quality support, not just accommodation.
With quality as a priority, your written submission carries significant weight in the evaluation process.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
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Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.