BHCC DH - RFQ - S106 Construction Skills Card Training
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
This isn't just about training
When you first look at this tender, it might seem like it's just about delivering construction skills training.
But there's more to it.
Brighton and Hove City Council isn't just looking for a trainer.
They're looking for a partner to help build a skilled local workforce in the construction industry.
The contract covers delivering Construction Skills Card Training across Brighton & Hove, funded through S106 Developer Contributions.
It's about making a real impact on local employment and supporting the construction sector.
Think about the community impact
Remember, this project is about the residents of Brighton and Hove.
The Council wants to see how you'll connect with the community.
How will you reach out to those who might not see construction as an option?
Consider the barriers some residents might face.
Transport, language or even awareness of the opportunities.
How will you address these?
Focus on long-term benefits
Training is one thing.
Building a career path is another.
The Council wants to ensure that trainees aren't just gaining skills but are being set on a path to sustainable employment.
How will you support trainees beyond the initial training phase?
Think about partnerships with local employers, ongoing mentorship or follow-up sessions.
Evidence always beats promises
It's easy to say you'll deliver excellent training.
But can you prove it?
Have you successfully delivered similar programmes?
Evidence should be at the heart of your submission.
- Past successful projects
- Testimonials from previous trainees
- Partnerships with local employers or organisations
Pay attention to what they say
The Council is clear about the importance of increasing training opportunities through local contributions.
They're not just interested in the number of people trained.
They want to see real outcomes.
How many of your trainees go on to secure jobs in the construction industry?
How do you track and report this?
These are the metrics that matter.
Managing the project over the whole term
Consistency is key.
The training needs to be high-quality from start to finish.
How will you ensure your trainers maintain standards throughout the contract?
Consider covering:
- Trainer recruitment and retention
- Quality assurance processes
- Feedback mechanisms from trainees
Show how you'll make life easier for the Council
Every project requires oversight from the buyer.
But the best suppliers reduce that burden.
How will you keep the Council informed without overwhelming them?
Regular updates, clear communication channels and proactive problem-solving are crucial.
Don't just focus on the £40,000
Yes, the contract is valued at £40,000.
But the real value is in the relationships and impact you create.
If you're thinking long-term, this could lead to future opportunities.
Show that you're committed to the community and the ongoing development of local skills.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
At the heart of this project are the people of Brighton and Hove.
Everything you propose should be tested against one question:
"How does this benefit the local community?"
If your answer is clear, you're on the right track.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Overlook the local community focus
- Fail to provide evidence of past success
- Ignore the importance of post-training support
- Don't address potential barriers to participation
- Neglect to outline communication plans with the Council
- Focus solely on the financial aspect of the contract
My Final Thoughts
Brighton and Hove City Council is looking for more than just a training provider.
They want a partner who can genuinely make a difference in the local community.
With a contract value of £40,000 and a duration from 18 October 2026 to 18 October 2027, there's real potential here.
Remember, quality is what they're prioritising.
That means your written submission should focus on how you can deliver tangible outcomes for the local workforce.
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.