Dementia Support Service - NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The real focus isn't just support
When you look at this tender, it's easy to get caught up in the mechanics of providing a support service.
But what NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB are really looking for is a transformative experience for those living with dementia.
The contract is about creating a single point of access for vital information about dementia care and improving the quality of life for individuals and their carers.
This isn't just about delivering services; it’s about delivering hope and support in a way that feels personal and accessible.
Understand the life behind the condition
Every individual living with dementia has a unique story.
Their needs go beyond just medical support.
They require emotional resilience, a sense of safety and an atmosphere of calm.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to see how you plan to create this environment.
The buyer is looking for a service that's attuned to the emotional and practical needs of dementia patients and their carers.
Don't just list services. Show your impact.
Many bidders will likely list the services they provide.
But that's not enough.
NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB wants to see the difference you can make.
How have you previously improved quality of life for those living with dementia?
Can you demonstrate successful strategies and good practices that have helped people live well with the condition?
That's what will set your bid apart.
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.
- Case studies that show improved client outcomes
- Testimonials from service users or carers
- Performance data from similar contracts
Pay attention to what they say
The buyer spells out that this service should be a single point of access for information and advice.
They’re clear about the importance of a "robust and clear working referral pathway in and out of service."
This tells me they’re looking for a streamlined process that offers seamless support.
Don't overlook this.
Your response should clearly outline how you will create and maintain this pathway.
Think about the carers too
Remember, this service is not just for those with dementia.
Carers play a crucial role, and their needs are just as important.
NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB expects support that’s "tailored to their situation."
Show how you will provide practical coaching and emotional support to carers, helping them to navigate their challenging roles.
Consistency across the contract duration
This is a three-year contract with the possibility of extension.
The buyer will be looking for consistency in service delivery over this period.
How will you ensure that standards are maintained year after year?
Think about staffing, training and quality assurance processes.
Buyers want to know that you have a plan to handle challenges like staff turnover or changing needs over time.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
If I were writing this tender, I'd keep coming back to one question:
"How does this service make life better for the person living with dementia?"
This is what NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB will be considering when they read your submission.
Every part of your response should answer this question.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on clinical aspects without addressing emotional and practical support
- Overlook the needs of carers
- Fail to demonstrate past successes or provide evidence
- Ignore the importance of a clear referral pathway
- Lack detail on maintaining service quality over the contract term
- Provide generic responses that could apply to any dementia service
- Underestimate the importance of a single point of access
- Don’t personalise the service to the West Midlands context
My Final Thoughts
NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB isn't just looking for a service provider.
They're looking for a partner who can change lives for those living with dementia and their carers.
The contract is valued at £5,084,000 over three years, with an option to extend for another three years.
The additional £80,000 of non-recurrent funding in the first year shows a commitment to establishing a strong foundation.
Quality of service will be critical, and your written submission has to reflect that.
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.