DHSC: LERO Development and Resilience Project
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think about what really matters
This isn't just about IT or cybersecurity.
It's about supporting Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (LEROs) to thrive.
Yes, the contract involves developing resources and mentoring programmes.
But what they're really asking for is a partner who can empower these organisations to sustain themselves.
The Department of Health & Social Care is looking for a supplier who understands the nuances of recovery communities.
And can help build their resilience over three years.
Building on past successes
The project builds on previous LERO capacity-building initiatives.
This isn't a start-from-scratch situation.
The buyer has highlighted the success of previous mentoring and bespoke learning opportunities.
They want to expand on these successes.
Your submission should demonstrate how you'll leverage past learnings.
And how you'll enhance these offerings to meet the evolving needs of LEROs and local authorities.
Pay attention to what they say
The buyer has been clear about the importance of peer-led support.
They emphasise the demand for practical mentoring from experienced LERO leaders.
This is a central theme.
Your response should reflect this by detailing how you'll deliver peer-led mentoring.
And ensure it's tailored to the specific needs of different organisations.
The local authority angle
Local authorities play a crucial role in this project.
The buyer wants to support local areas in developing recovery-oriented systems.
This means providing universal and targeted support.
Your response should outline how you'll work with local authorities.
And how you'll adapt your support to their specific contexts and needs.
Don't just promise, prove it
Evidence always beats promises.
If you have experience in similar projects, say so.
Provide specific examples of how you've supported LEROs or similar organisations before.
Showcase successful outcomes and how you achieved them.
Evidence of past success will carry weight.
Think about governance and sustainability
Governance, leadership and financial management are key areas of focus.
The buyer wants to ensure LEROs are well-managed and financially sustainable.
Explain how your approach will strengthen these areas.
Detail any frameworks or tools you'll use to support governance and sustainability.
Making life easier for the buyer
Remember, every contract creates work for the client.
The best contractors reduce that workload.
Show how your processes will make it easier for the Department of Health & Social Care to manage this project.
Detail your communication and reporting strategies.
And how you'll ensure transparency throughout the project.
Consistency over three years
Delivering consistent support over the full contract term is a challenge.
It's essential to plan for continuity in staffing and resources.
Explain how you'll maintain service quality throughout the three years.
Detail contingency plans for staff changes or unforeseen events.
Consistency is key.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This project is about people.
Real people in recovery communities.
Every aspect of your submission should reflect a commitment to supporting these individuals and organisations.
Ask yourself this question: "How does this help a LERO become more resilient?"
If it doesn't, it might not belong in your submission.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus too heavily on technical aspects without addressing community impact
- Lack evidence of past experience with LEROs or similar organisations
- Fail to demonstrate understanding of local authority needs and context
- Overlook the importance of peer-led mentoring
- Neglect governance and sustainability support
- Ignore the need for consistent service delivery over three years
- Provide vague descriptions without concrete examples or evidence
- Assume one-size-fits-all solutions
My Final Thoughts
The Department of Health & Social Care isn't just looking for a service provider.
They want a partner who can make a tangible difference in LERO sustainability and resilience.
With a contract value of £471,866 over three years, the emphasis here is on quality and impact.
Your written submission should reflect this focus on quality.
By addressing the specific needs and priorities outlined in the notice, you'll be on the right path to crafting a winning response.
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.