ANE Therapeutic Support Services
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think about the families, not just the services
When you're looking at this framework, it's easy to focus on the therapeutic services themselves.
But the real focus should be on the families supported by Adopt North East (ANE).
Yes, the framework covers medium and high-level therapeutic services, including Therapeutic Parenting courses and Social Work Assessment of Adoption Support Needs.
But what North Tyneside Borough Council really wants is a group of suppliers who can make a meaningful impact on the lives of adoptive families.
If you focus solely on the mechanics of service delivery, your submission might blend in with all the others.
Think about the outcomes for the families.
That's what will make your response stand out.
Remember the framework is the first win
This is a framework — you're competing to be on the list, not for a specific contract.
It's important to understand that winning a place on the framework itself is a significant win.
The real work and revenue come later, through call-off contracts.
So, your submission needs to convince the Council that you're the right partner for the long haul, not just for a single job.
Pay attention to what they say
The notice mentions "medium and high-level therapeutic services" and "specialist assessments."
But look closer.
The emphasis is on providing support that truly benefits adoptive families.
Adopt North East is placing families at the centre of this framework.
Your response should reflect this by detailing how your services improve family dynamics and outcomes.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that evidence carried more weight than promises.
If you have testimonials, case studies or success stories, use them.
Show how your services have made a difference in similar contexts.
- Testimonials from families you've helped
- Case studies that outline specific outcomes
- Data that demonstrates the effectiveness of your interventions
- Professional endorsements from social workers or therapists
Don't just list services. Explain your approach.
It's not enough to just list the services you provide.
Explain how you deliver them and why your approach is effective.
How do you engage with families?
What makes your Therapeutic Parenting courses unique?
Why are your Social Work Assessments particularly insightful or reliable?
Provide a narrative that shows your understanding of the challenges faced by adoptive families.
Consistency over the term matters
This framework may run until 2029, if all extension options are taken.
Consistency in service delivery over this period is key.
The Council will want to know that you can maintain high standards throughout.
How will you manage this?
I'd want to see plans for staff training, quality assurance and regular performance reviews.
Consider how you'll handle staff turnover or training updates over the years.
Direct awards and further competition
Once on the framework, work can come through direct awards or further mini-competitions.
For direct awards, you'll need to be visible, reliable and easy to work with.
Make sure your pricing is competitive and transparent.
For further competitions, be prepared to respond quickly and effectively.
Your initial submission should lay the groundwork for these future opportunities.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Throughout your submission, keep the end users in mind.
The families and children who will ultimately be affected by your services.
Whenever you're writing a response, ask yourself:
"How does this benefit the families?"
Use that question to test every section of your submission.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus only on the technical aspects of service delivery
- Lack evidence of past success or impact
- Fail to explain how services benefit families
- Overpromise without a clear plan for delivery
- Ignore the long-term nature of the framework
- Have unclear pricing structures
- Overlook how direct awards and mini-competitions work
My Final Thoughts
North Tyneside Borough Council, through Adopt North East, is looking for partners who can genuinely support adoptive families over the long term.
With a framework value of £5,947,826 and the possibility of running until 2029, this isn't just about services — it's about making a difference.
Quality matters here, and a strong written submission focusing on family outcomes will make all the difference.
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.