Children Who Use Harm
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
This isn't just about interventions
When I look at a tender like this, the first thing I notice is what the buyer is truly after.
It's not just a series of interventions for children who use harm.
It's about improving the lives of children, young people and families across South Yorkshire.
That's a big responsibility.
The service will offer targeted interventions for children and young people aged 10 to 17, focusing on those who display harmful behaviours within a family setting, including CAPVA.
The programme aims to change lives.
Think about the family as a unit
This tender is clear about one thing: the family context is crucial.
The service won't just support the child or young person displaying harmful behaviour.
It will also support parents, carers and siblings affected by these behaviours.
I'd focus on how you plan to work with the entire family unit.
Consider how your approach will build trust and provide holistic support that brings about real change.
Don't underestimate the role of evidence
The buyer stresses an "evidence-informed" approach.
That means they want to see proven methods, like motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural techniques.
If I were writing this tender, I'd make sure to detail the evidence base for any intervention methods proposed.
Show how your approach is grounded in research and best practice.
Pay attention to what they say
Safety, victim protection and risk management are mentioned prominently.
The buyer wants a programme that prioritises these elements throughout the delivery pathway.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for clear, robust plans to address these areas.
Your response should demonstrate how you'll embed safeguarding and risk management into every aspect of service delivery.
Show how you'll tailor your approach
The tender specifies that interventions must be developmentally appropriate and individually tailored.
This means acknowledging diverse needs, including communication needs and neurodiversity.
Describe how you'll adapt your interventions to meet the specific needs of each child and family.
Flexibility and personalisation will be key.
Outcomes over activities
It's easy to get bogged down in describing activities.
But what the buyer wants are improved outcomes: reduced harmful behaviour, increased family safety, better emotional wellbeing and more.
I'd focus on how your programme will deliver these outcomes.
Be specific about the changes your service will bring about for children, families and the wider community.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver an excellent service.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence, use it.
Think about including:
- Case studies of similar programmes you've run
- Data showing improved outcomes from past initiatives
- Testimonials from families and partners you've worked with
- Feedback from children and young people who've benefited from your services
Remember the importance of multi-agency work
The tender mentions multi-agency coordination.
This isn't just a box to tick.
It's about ensuring that all relevant services work together seamlessly to support the family.
I'd outline how you'll collaborate with other agencies, such as schools and social services, to deliver cohesive and effective support.
My Final Thoughts
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is looking for a partner who understands the complexities of working with children who use harm.
They want a provider who can deliver a trauma-informed, family-focused service that makes a measurable difference.
With a contract value of £2,600,282 and the potential to extend to 2033, there's a significant opportunity here.
Quality will be key, given the focus on outcomes and evidence.
Your written submission should demonstrate a deep understanding of the buyer's priorities and a clear plan for achieving the intended outcomes.
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.