All-Age Carers Service
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
This isn't just about supporting carers
When you first look at this tender, it might seem all about providing support to carers across Liverpool.
But look closer.
What Liverpool City Council is really buying here is a service that ensures carers can continue their roles sustainably and with dignity.
That involves understanding the specific needs of adult carers, young carers and parent carers.
The tender covers information, advice, assessment and practical support for unpaid carers, including helping them access services and community support.
Think about what a carer needs
Carers are often juggling multiple responsibilities.
They need more than just information and advice.
They need support that acknowledges their specific circumstances.
I'd concentrate on how your service can identify carers early and assess their needs accurately.
Your submission should reassure the Council that you can promote wellbeing and improve access to services.
Remember the five lots
This tender isn't a one-size-fits-all.
It's split into five lots: Digital Carer Platform, Adult and Parent Carers, Young Carers, Carers Advocacy and Carers Opportunities.
Each lot has its own focus.
If I were submitting, I'd tailor my response to each lot, showing how I can deliver exactly what's needed.
Pay attention to what they say
Liverpool City Council is clear about their priorities.
They want to identify carers early and help them sustain their caring roles.
They mention "support with breaks, peer support, training and signposting."
That’s a big clue.
Your response should show how you’ll provide these aspects effectively and in line with statutory duties and local priorities.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed in my public sector days was bidders making big promises without backing them up.
Don't fall into that trap.
If you have evidence of successful similar projects, use it.
- Case studies of past success with carer services
- Data proving improved access to services or community support
- Testimonials from carers you've helped
Show how you'll make life easier for carers
Every service should make things simpler, not harder.
Carers already have enough on their plates.
Explain how your approach reduces their workload.
If I were writing this, I'd detail how my processes will help carers access the support they need without extra hassle.
Think about the long term
Consistency over the contract term is crucial.
This isn't a short-term commitment.
From 30 April 2027 to potentially 30 April 2032, Liverpool City Council needs assurance that your service will remain reliable.
I'd highlight how you plan to maintain service standards consistently.
Consider staffing, resource allocation and performance reviews.
Don't overlook the digital aspect
Lot 1 is all about a Digital Carer Platform.
Digital solutions are increasingly important.
If you're bidding for this lot, ensure you demonstrate how your platform will provide carers with useful, accessible information and support.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
At the heart of this tender are real people with real lives.
Carers, often under pressure, need services that genuinely support them.
As you write your bid, ask yourself: "Am I offering something that will really make a difference in a carer's life?"
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Overlook the specific needs of different carer groups
- Fail to tailor responses to each of the five lots
- Lack evidence of past successes in similar services
- Ignore the importance of early identification and assessment
- Overpromise without a clear delivery plan
- Neglect to explain how digital solutions will support carers
- Don't address how service consistency will be maintained
- Miss out on detailing support for breaks, peer support and training
My Final Thoughts
Liverpool City Council isn't just looking for a service provider.
They're looking for a partner in supporting their carers' community.
With a contract value of £5,355,785 and a potential five-year term, the Council is making a significant investment.
Quality will be a priority, given their focus on early identification and sustainable support.
Your written submission needs to reflect this.
Show them not just what you can do, but how it will genuinely benefit Liverpool's carers.
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.
Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?
View the opportunity on Bid Trawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.
View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on Bid Trawler →About our "How to Win This Contract" guides
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.