Community Domestic Abuse Support Service
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The heart of this tender isn't just support
When I look at this tender, the word "support" stands out.
But it's clear that Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking more than just a support service.
They're looking for a provider who can offer a comprehensive, trauma-informed and person-centred approach across the borough.
Yes, the service covers safe accommodation-based and community-based support.
But what they're really buying is safety, healing and empowerment for individuals affected by domestic abuse.
Think about the diversity of service users
This isn't a one-size-fits-all service.
The notice highlights the importance of supporting victim-survivors of all genders, ages and backgrounds.
This means your response needs to demonstrate an understanding of this diversity.
I'd focus on how your service can adapt to meet the varied needs of these groups.
Highlight your approaches to supporting children and young people, both those impacted by abuse and those displaying harmful behaviours.
And don't forget the adults causing harm — the service includes behaviour change interventions for them too.
Don't overlook the trauma-informed approach
Trauma-informed care is more than a buzzword here.
It's a fundamental requirement.
If I were writing this tender, I'd emphasise how my service is built around trauma-informed principles.
That means understanding the impact of trauma on individuals and ensuring that all staff are trained to recognise and respond to it.
Explain how your service will create a safe and supportive environment for all service users.
Pay attention to what they say about risk and safety
The notice is clear about the importance of risk assessment and safety planning.
These elements are crucial.
Stockport wants a provider who can recognise and respond to the full spectrum of domestic abuse experiences.
Your response should detail how you conduct risk assessments and develop safety plans tailored to individual needs.
Include examples or case studies if you can.
These will help demonstrate that you have the expertise and experience required.
Outcomes, not just activities
This is a theme I see often.
Buyers aren't just interested in what you'll do — they want to know the impact you'll have.
In this case, the outcomes are about reducing harm and facilitating recovery.
I'd focus on how your service leads to positive, measurable changes in the lives of service users.
Are you reducing incidents of abuse? Improving mental health outcomes? Helping service users achieve stability in housing or employment?
These are the kinds of outcomes that matter.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that bidders often made big promises without backing them up.
Evidence always carries more weight.
For this tender, evidence might include:
- Case studies demonstrating successful outcomes
- Feedback or testimonials from service users
- Accreditation or recognition for behaviour change programmes
- Data on service delivery and impact
If you've got it, use it.
Remember the challenges of consistency over time
This contract runs for up to 12 years, including extensions.
Consistency is key.
I'd want to know how you plan to maintain high standards throughout the contract term.
Think about staffing — how will you recruit and retain skilled staff?
How will you manage training and development to ensure that all staff remain competent and confident in delivering the service?
Regular performance reviews, supervision and service user feedback loops are all part of maintaining quality.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
At its core, this tender is about people.
People who have experienced trauma and need support to rebuild their lives.
I'd keep this front and centre when writing my response.
Ask yourself: How does each part of my service make a difference to service users?
Focus on the human impact of your service, not just the logistics.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on accommodation-based support and neglect community-based aspects
- Overlook the importance of trauma-informed care and training
- Fail to address the diversity of service users and their needs
- Provide generic answers on risk assessment and safety planning
- Lack evidence for past successes or impact
- Ignore the requirement for behaviour change interventions for adults causing harm
- Don't explain how consistency will be maintained over the contract term
My Final Thoughts
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council is looking for a provider who understands the complexities of domestic abuse and can offer a comprehensive support service.
With a contract value of £4,025,000 and a potential duration of up to 12 years, quality is paramount.
The emphasis on a trauma-informed and person-centred approach means that your written submission will need to clearly demonstrate your expertise and commitment.
Remember, it's not just about what you do, but the difference you make in people's lives.
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.