Evaluation and Learning Partner (Sport England Place Partnership Funding Expansion - Leicester)
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't just focus on the evaluation
This tender isn't just about delivering reports.
It's about embedding a culture of learning and evaluation within the Place Partnership in Leicester.
Leicestershire County Council has secured funding from Sport England to enhance place-based work in Leicester, and they're looking for a partner to support this over 18 months.
Yes, they'll expect formal evaluations like ripple effect mapping.
But what they're truly buying is your ability to help their team and partners embrace and internalise these evaluation processes.
Think about the long-term impact
Active Together isn't just interested in the here and now.
They want to ensure that the skills and learning from this partnership continue to benefit Leicester well beyond the contract term.
They need someone who can make evaluation part of everyday thinking for their team and partners.
Ask yourself: how will you leave a lasting impact on their capacity to learn and evaluate?
That's what I'd focus on.
Pay attention to what they say
The documents make it clear that "evaluation and learning are a key part of the work".
This isn't a secondary concern—it's central to the project.
They need a partner who can lead the submission of formal evaluation requirements to both Sport England and the National Evaluation and Learning Partner (NELP).
They've got a clear vision for how evaluation fits into the bigger picture.
Your job is to show them how you can bring that vision to life.
Show how you'll upskill the team
The buyer wants to "support the upskilling of the team, partner organisations and the public".
It's not just about what you can do—it's about what you can teach.
If I were writing this tender, I'd explain in detail how I plan to transfer my knowledge and skills to their team.
Consider what training sessions, workshops or resources you can provide to help them become self-sufficient in evaluation.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to successfully deliver on their promises.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence, use it.
- Case studies of similar projects
- Testimonials from past clients
- Data or metrics showing your impact
- Examples of previous upskilling initiatives
These are your strongest assets.
Remember the people behind the project
At the heart of this project are people—both the team you'll be working with and the Leicester community.
Active Together wants a partner who understands the local context and can work effectively with diverse groups.
Think about how you'll engage with the community and ensure their voices are heard in the evaluation process.
This isn't just about data; it's about people.
Don't underestimate formal evaluation methods
Formal evaluation methods like ripple effect mapping and social network analysis are specifically mentioned.
These aren't just buzzwords—they're essential tools for this project.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to see a clear, detailed plan for how you intend to carry out these evaluations in partnership with the team.
Show them you know your stuff and can deliver on what's required.
Consistency over the entire contract
This contract runs from 2 November 2026 to 30 April 2027.
Consistency is key.
Active Together will want to see that you can maintain high standards throughout the entire duration.
Think about how you'll handle any challenges that might arise—staffing changes, data collection issues or shifts in project focus.
A clear plan for keeping everything on track will set your bid apart.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Overlook the importance of upskilling the team
- Fail to provide concrete evidence of past success
- Ignore the formal evaluation methods specified
- Lack a detailed plan for maintaining consistency
- Don't address how you'll engage with the community
- Focus solely on data collection and not on learning
- Miss the long-term impact of the partnership
My Final Thoughts
The buyer is looking for more than just an evaluation partner.
They need someone who can transform the way their team thinks about learning and assessment.
With a budget of £90,000 for an 18-month term, it's clear they're investing in quality.
Your written submission needs to reflect that.
Ensure it demonstrates your ability to make evaluation a valuable, lasting part of their work.
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.