CivTech 12.5 - How can technology support multi agency processes for the protection of children in Scotland?
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The real challenge isn't the technology
On the surface, this tender might seem to be about creating a new IT system.
But dig a little deeper and it's clear that the real challenge is about transforming how agencies collaborate.
The Scottish Government wants to improve the Inter-Agency Referral Discussions (IRDs) process, making it more efficient and effective.
You're not just building software.
You're creating a system that protects children by enabling better decision-making.
Understand the complexity of IRDs
The IRD process is the backbone of Scotland's child protection system.
Over 17,000 IRDs happened during 2024-25.
That's a lot of data, discussions and decisions.
The current system struggles with fragmented IT, manual processes and localised records.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for a solution that addresses these specific pain points.
Think about how your technology can streamline these processes.
Don't just promise integration. Prove it.
Integration is a buzzword.
Everyone claims to do it, but very few prove it.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on:
- Demonstrating past projects where you've integrated complex systems
- Showing how your solution will reduce duplication and delays
- Providing examples of secure, streamlined information sharing
Evidence always beats promises.
Think about the people making these decisions
Behind every IRD is a team of professionals making critical decisions for a child's safety.
The technology you propose should make their jobs easier, not harder.
Consider how your solution will fit into their workday.
Think about how it can reduce their administrative burden.
If I were in their shoes, I'd want technology that gives me more time to focus on the children.
Pay attention to what they say
The notice is clear about the priorities.
They want "real-time local and national data" and "secure streamlined multi-agency information sharing".
These are the themes to build your response around.
Your solution needs to provide data that improves child protection outcomes across Scotland.
I'd weave these themes throughout my submission.
Real-time data isn't optional. It's essential.
In child protection, timing is everything.
Real-time data can be the difference between a timely intervention and a missed opportunity.
Your technology must offer this capability.
Explain how your solution will provide real-time updates across agencies.
That's what I'd build my submission around.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This isn't just an IT project.
It's about safeguarding vulnerable children.
Every decision you make should be framed by one question:
"How does this improve outcomes for the children we're trying to protect?"
That mindset will make your submission stand out.
Consistency over the contract term
A two-year contract means you need to think long-term.
How will you ensure consistency in service delivery over 720 days?
Consider:
- Staff turnover and training
- Regular updates and improvements
- Performance reviews and feedback mechanisms
The Scottish Government will want to know you can deliver consistently.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on the technology without addressing user needs
- Overlook the importance of secure data sharing
- Fail to provide evidence of past successful integrations
- Promise more than can be realistically delivered
- Ignore the emphasis on real-time data
- Neglect the human aspect of the IRD process
- Underestimate the complexity of multi-agency collaboration
My Final Thoughts
The Scottish Government is looking for a partner, not just a supplier.
They're after a solution that transforms how child protection decisions are made.
With a contract value of £650,000 over 720 days, they're investing in a significant change.
Quality will be key.
Focus your written submission on the outcomes, the evidence and the real-world benefits.
That's how you'll make your bid compelling.
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.