Breastfeeding Peer Support Service
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think beyond breastfeeding support
Yes, you're providing a breastfeeding peer support service.
But Leeds City Council isn't just looking for a service provider.
They're looking for a partner to embed within their community.
To create a culture where breastfeeding is normalised and supported by everyone.
This contract is about more than just service delivery.
It's about community transformation.
The service will cover Leeds, offering support in both community and hospital settings. It includes a hospital-grade breast pump loan scheme to complement existing infant feeding support.
It's about the community, not just the service
Families don't exist in isolation.
They're part of a wider community.
The council wants a service that helps build a supportive environment across the city.
When you're crafting your response, don't just focus on the mechanics of breastfeeding support.
Think about how you'll help foster an inclusive community spirit.
How will you work with existing initiatives and pathways to create that supportive network?
Don't underestimate the power of trained volunteers
This service relies heavily on volunteers.
They need to be well-trained, supported and valued.
Leeds City Council will be looking for evidence that you can manage and motivate volunteers effectively.
How will you recruit and retain them?
What ongoing training and support will you provide?
Pay attention to what they say
The buyer is clear about their priorities.
They want a coordinated, accessible and effective service.
They've emphasised the importance of embedding the service within existing pathways and programmes.
Your proposal should demonstrate how you'll integrate with current systems.
How will you ensure seamless collaboration?
Evidence always beats promises
It's one thing to promise high-quality support.
It's another to prove it.
If I were evaluating this tender, I'd be looking for evidence of past success.
- Testimonials from service users
- Statistics on improved breastfeeding rates
- Case studies demonstrating your impact
Show them that you've delivered results before.
Don't forget the hospital-grade breast pump loan scheme
There's a specific requirement for a breast pump loan scheme.
It's not just about having pumps available.
It's about meeting the needs of the service users.
How will you manage this aspect of the service?
What processes will you put in place to ensure the scheme runs smoothly?
Consistency is key
This contract runs for three years.
Consistency in service delivery will be crucial.
Think about how you'll maintain high standards over the entire term.
- What happens if a volunteer can't attend?
- How will you cover periods of high demand?
- What systems will you have for regular performance reviews?
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
At the heart of this contract are the families you'll be supporting.
If I were writing this tender, I'd keep asking:
"How does this benefit the families and the community?"
Every part of your proposal should ultimately answer this question.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on breastfeeding techniques without considering community impact
- Lack evidence of past success in similar services
- Overlook the importance of the breast pump loan scheme
- Fail to demonstrate how you'll integrate with existing pathways
- Ignore volunteer management and support
My Final Thoughts
Leeds City Council is looking for more than a service provider.
They want a partner to help create a breastfeeding-friendly city.
With a value of £406,190, this contract is an opportunity to make a real difference over a three-year term.
Quality is the focus here, so your written submission needs to reflect the council's priorities.
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.