DWL Education Training CPC2026246 2

Kim Frater, founder of Bid Trawler
Written by Kim Frater
Former Public Sector Buyer • Founder of Bid Trawler • 40+ years' public sector experience
"I believe public procurement shouldn't be complicated. Every guide I write explains the process in plain English so you can bid with confidence."

3 minute read  •  Updated August 2026

A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.

Don't underestimate the focus on Digital Whole Life

This isn't just about training.

It's about transforming how UK built environment professionals think about and manage assets.

The buyer, Connected Places Catapult, wants to see a programme that integrates Digital Whole Life principles into the fabric of professional practice.

Yes, the contract involves designing and delivering CPD-accredited training modules and webinars.

But what they're really buying is the shift in mindset and capability among professionals, commissioners and asset owners.

That's a big difference.

Think about who you're training

The end users of this programme are professionals in the built environment sector.

They'll be looking for practical insights and strategies they can apply in their own work.

If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to know how your training makes the complex accessible.

How it turns theory into practice.

And how it engages professionals who are often pressed for time.

Evidence always beats promises

When it comes to training, everyone claims they can deliver engaging content.

But where's the proof?

If I were writing this tender, I'd be highlighting:

  • Previous successful training programmes in similar sectors
  • Testimonials from participants
  • CPD accreditation credentials
  • Methods for measuring learning outcomes

Pay attention to what they say

Connected Places Catapult is clear about their expectations.

They want a programme that "integrates Digital Whole Life principles."

This means you'll need to understand these principles deeply.

And show how your training will weave them into the daily practices of built environment professionals.

If you don't already know these principles inside out, now's the time to learn.

Make life easier for the participants

Training that adds to workloads won't be popular.

If I were writing this tender, I'd explain how the programme is designed to be flexible and accessible.

How it fits into busy professional lives.

And how it delivers value without demanding too much time or effort.

Remember who you're trying to convince

The decision-makers are likely to be senior professionals and commissioners.

They're busy people.

They need to see clearly how your programme will benefit them and their teams.

If I were you, I'd ensure every part of my response is focused on delivering real, tangible benefits.

Consistency is key

Delivering one great training session isn't enough.

The challenge is to maintain high standards over the whole programme.

I'd be reassuring the buyer about my plans for consistency.

How I'll handle trainer absence, participant feedback and content updates.

And how I'll ensure the quality of webinars matches that of in-person sessions.

One thing I'd keep reminding myself

The real test of this programme is whether it changes behaviour.

That's a high bar.

But it's the one Connected Places Catapult is aiming for.

Throughout your submission, I'd keep asking: "Does this help participants apply Digital Whole Life principles in their work?"

Common mistakes

Avoid submissions that:

  • Focus too much on the mechanics of training delivery
  • Lack clear evidence of past success
  • Ignore the specific needs of built environment professionals
  • Overlook the importance of Digital Whole Life principles
  • Fail to demonstrate CPD accreditation
  • Offer generic content rather than tailored insights
  • Neglect the importance of accessibility and flexibility
  • Don't address how consistency will be maintained

My Final Thoughts

Connected Places Catapult is not just looking for a training provider.

They're looking for a partner who can drive a shift in thinking across the built environment sector.

With a contract value of £80,000, it's clear they value quality over quantity.

A focus on Digital Whole Life principles will be essential.

Remember, quality likely carries more weight than price in this bid.

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.

Kim
Founder, Bid Trawler

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.

kim@bidtrawler.com

Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?

View the opportunity on Bid Trawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.

View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on Bid Trawler →
About our "How to Win This Contract" guides

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.

More live contract guides

See all guides