APX058 - Framework for the Provision of Agency Nursing, Care, Support and Ancillary Staff
A practical guide to understanding what Apex Housing Association really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think about the framework, not just the job
This isn't about securing one-off assignments.
It's about getting onto a list that Apex Housing Association will use to fill staffing gaps across their services.
You'll be competing for a place on a framework, not a single contract.
Apex will award spots to up to three suppliers per lot, with the framework running for two years, extendable by another two.
The potential value here is £17 million across the framework, but remember — that's spread across suppliers and lots.
Pay attention to what they say
The focus here is clear.
Apex needs agency workers who are "suitably qualified, experienced and compliant."
These aren't just buzzwords.
They are looking for reliability and consistency in meeting temporary staffing needs across nursing, care, support and ancillary roles.
They repeatedly mention the need for staff on an "ad hoc, emergency and short-term" basis.
If I were you, I'd focus on how you can quickly provide high-quality staff who are ready to hit the ground running.
Understand the lots
Apex has divided this framework into two lots.
Lot 1 is for Agency Nursing Staff. Lot 2 covers Agency Care, Support and Ancillary Staff.
Each lot is assessed independently, meaning you can choose to bid for one or both.
But be strategic.
Target the lot where you can genuinely deliver.
Spreading yourself too thin might weaken your bid.
What makes you stand out?
Every agency will claim they provide excellent staff.
But what will make Apex pick you?
They'll be looking for:
- Your ability to cover shifts at short notice
- Evidence of staff qualifications and compliance
- How you ensure staff are ready and briefed for assignments
- Your processes for managing performance and feedback
Evidence always beats promises.
If you have testimonials, case studies or performance metrics, now's the time to use them.
Direct award vs. further competition
Winning a place on the framework is just the start.
Once you're on, work can be awarded directly or through further competition.
For direct awards, you'll want to be easy to find, with competitive rates and a strong reputation.
Further competitions mean you'll be bidding against other framework suppliers.
These are quick turnarounds, so have a process in place to respond promptly.
Managing consistency over the term
A framework isn't a sprint.
It's a marathon.
You need to show Apex that you can deliver consistent quality over the entire framework term.
Consider how you'll handle:
- Staff recruitment and turnover
- Training and compliance checks
- Performance reviews and feedback loops
- Emergency cover and absence management
Apex will be looking for stability and reliability.
That's what I'd focus on.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Apex Housing Association operates across a range of services and schemes.
Every time you place a worker, think about the impact on the people receiving care and support.
Ask yourself:
"How is my agency making life easier for Apex and better for their service users?"
That's the lens through which I'd view every part of my submission.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Overpromise on staff availability without evidence
- Fail to differentiate between the two lots
- Ignore the importance of compliance and qualifications
- Lack a clear plan for emergency and ad hoc cover
- Provide generic statements instead of specific examples
- Overlook the need for a quick response in further competitions
- Fail to address how consistency will be maintained over the term
My Final Thoughts
Apex Housing Association needs partners they can rely on for flexible, high-quality staffing.
With a value of £17 million and a potential term of up to four years, there's a lot at stake.
But remember, quality carries significant weight here.
Focus your written submission on demonstrating your ability to meet Apex's urgent and ongoing needs.
It's not just about filling roles.
It's about being a trusted partner.
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.