Accommodation Based Support Service for Care Leavers and Vulnerable Young People aged 16 - 21

Written by Kim Frater

Former Public Sector Buyer • Founder of Bid Trawler • 40+ years' public sector experience

"I believe public procurement shouldn't be complicated. Every guide I write explains the process in plain English so you can bid with confidence."

3 minute read  •  Updated August 2026

A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.

What Wokingham is really buying

This tender is about far more than just providing accommodation. The real aim here is to help young people transition to adulthood with the skills and confidence they need. Wokingham Borough Council is looking for a partner who can deliver a safe, high-quality environment and support young people aged 16-21, including care leavers. The focus is on developing independence, promoting wellbeing and encouraging positive relationships and engagement in education or employment. It’s not just about the bricks and mortar; it's about shaping futures.

Think about the young people

If I were evaluating bids, I'd be thinking about the young people who will live in this accommodation. They're at a critical point in their lives, moving from care into independence. They need stability and support. They need someone who understands their challenges and can help them build resilience. Your response should reflect a deep understanding of their needs and how your service will address them effectively.

The importance of individualised support

Wokingham makes it clear that the service must be flexible and needs-led. This means tailoring support to each young person's unique situation. Most bidders will talk about the services they offer. What will set you apart is how you demonstrate your ability to adapt those services to individual needs. I'd include examples of how you've successfully done this before, and what processes you have in place to ensure this flexibility.

Pay attention to what they say

The tender documents emphasise that the service should contribute to the Council's corporate parenting responsibilities. This is a key theme. They want a service that provides the support, opportunities and stability that a good parent would. This isn't just about meeting contractual obligations; it's about providing a nurturing environment. That's a big responsibility and one that should be central to your bid.

Evidence over promises

One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that many bidders made grand claims about their services but offered little proof. If I were writing this tender, I'd provide concrete evidence of past successes. Here’s what you might include:

• Case studies of young people you’ve helped transition to independence
• Testimonials from care leavers or partner agencies
• Performance data showing positive outcomes
• Examples of innovative approaches to support

How you'll manage and maintain quality

Consistency is vital over the whole term of the contract. Staffing, recruitment and performance management need to be rock-solid. I'd want to see exactly how you'll ensure high standards are maintained, even when challenges arise, like staff sickness or turnover. Describe your processes for recruitment, training and performance reviews. Show how you monitor and continually improve the service.

Building partnerships

This service isn't delivered in isolation. It's done in partnership with the Council and relevant agencies. Talk about how you'll collaborate effectively. How will you ensure seamless communication and cooperation? This is about creating a cohesive support network for the young people, and your bid should reflect your ability to work well with others.

One thing I'd keep reminding myself

Every decision, every plan, every promise should be tested against one question: "Is this what a good parent would do?" Your bid should reflect that same level of care and commitment. Think about how your service will make a real difference to the lives of these young people. That's the heart of this tender.

Common mistakes

Avoid submissions that:

• Focus solely on accommodation without discussing support services
• Lack evidence of successful outcomes
• Fail to address the need for tailored, individualised support
• Overlook the importance of partnership working
• Ignore the Council’s corporate parenting role
• Provide generic responses that could apply to any tender
• Neglect to detail how quality will be maintained consistently
• Miss the opportunity to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability

My Final Thoughts

Wokingham Borough Council is looking for more than just a provider of accommodation. They're looking for a partner who can help vulnerable young people transition into adulthood with the support and stability of a good parent. With a contract value of £3,720,000, there's significant investment here. Quality will likely carry a substantial weighting in the evaluation. Your written submission must reflect this focus on quality. Be clear, be specific and remember who you're ultimately trying to help.