Criminal Justice Related Drug and Alcohol Referral Service for Adults
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The real focus isn't just referrals
When you look closely at this tender, it's clear the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire is buying more than a referral service.
They're investing in a partnership to change lives.
This isn't just about processing individuals through the system.
It's about engaging with them at crucial moments to steer them towards recovery and away from further offending.
The service covers drug and alcohol referral in police custody settings and the Leamington Justice Centre courts. It involves assessing individuals, offering interventions and coordinating with community services for ongoing support.
Think about the people behind the statistics
Yes, you're dealing with offenders.
But behind every statistic is a person struggling with substance misuse.
The buyer is looking for a provider who understands this and can engage individuals compassionately.
Most bidders will focus on the mechanics of the service.
What you need to show is empathy and a commitment to positive outcomes for these individuals.
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.
- Track record of reducing reoffending rates
- Case studies demonstrating successful interventions
- Testimonials from clients who have turned their lives around
- Data showing improved engagement in treatment services
Pay attention to what they say
The buyer makes it clear that this service is part of a "multi-agency response".
They want to see evidence of effective collaboration.
They're not just looking for a provider who can work in isolation.
Your submission should highlight your experience in multi-agency settings and how you plan to collaborate with Warwickshire Police Custody, Probation and other partners.
Don't underestimate the power of continuity
The PCC decided against separating the custody and court-related elements into lots.
Why?
Because they value continuity.
They want a seamless service that offers "integrated referral pathways".
If I were writing this bid, I'd make sure to emphasise how my service offers continuity from arrest through to court and community treatment.
Think about the people you'll be working with
Not just the offenders.
But the police officers, court staff and community partners.
This is about building relationships that make the system work smoothly.
Show how you plan to communicate and cooperate effectively with all stakeholders involved.
Managing the whole term is key
Consistency is crucial.
You're providing a service until at least March 2030, potentially 2032.
That means proving you can maintain standards over time.
Talk about your strategies for:
- Staff recruitment and retention
- Training and development
- Regular performance reviews
- Adapting to changes in funding or service demand
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
At the heart of this contract are people in need of help.
Every response you write should be tested against one question:
"How does this help reduce harm and support recovery?"
Everything else flows from that.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on the process, ignoring the human element
- Lack evidence of successful multi-agency collaboration
- Fail to demonstrate how continuity will be maintained
- Overlook the importance of staff training and retention
- Promise outcomes without backing them up with data
- Ignore the buyer's emphasis on integrated pathways
- Fail to address safeguarding and risk management effectively
My Final Thoughts
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire is looking for more than a service provider.
They're looking for a partner in reducing harm and reoffending through effective drug and alcohol interventions.
With a contract value of £892,617 and the potential to extend to 2032, the focus is very much on quality and continuity.
The tender documents suggest a strong emphasis on collaboration and integrated pathways.
This means your written submission must go beyond the basics and show how you will deliver a cohesive, compassionate service.
Quality counts significantly here.
That's what I'd build my submission around.
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.