Integrated Community Smokefree Service - (PSR)
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
This isn't just about quitting smoking
The London Borough of Havering is looking for more than a stop-smoking service.
They're asking for a comprehensive community approach.
A service that integrates support for quitting smoking with broader health needs.
The focus is on individuals with severe mental illness and those affected by substance misuse.
This isn't a broad brush approach.
It's about tailored, person-centred support that fits into wider care plans.
Think about the people behind the statistics
When you're writing your response, keep the end users in mind.
People with severe mental illness and substance misuse challenges have unique needs.
Your response should show empathy and understanding of these complexities.
What barriers do they face in seeking help?
How will your service address these barriers?
Remember, this is about people, not just numbers.
Pay attention to what they say
The notice makes it clear that co-located delivery and integrated referral pathways are essential.
These aren't just buzzwords.
They're about creating seamless transitions in care.
Havering wants a service that embeds tobacco harm reduction into existing care models.
If I were writing this tender, I'd explain how my service integrates with other local health services.
Don't just promise change. Prove it.
Evidence is key.
Havering won't just take your word for it that you can deliver.
They'll want to see proof.
Provide examples of past success in similar services.
If you've worked with similar populations before, say so.
Share testimonials or case studies that highlight your impact.
Show how you'll make life easier for Havering
Every service creates work for the client.
The best services minimise this burden.
In your submission, explain how your processes will reduce workload for Havering's officers.
If I were writing this tender, I'd be highlighting how my team can work independently yet collaboratively.
Consistency is the hardest thing to deliver
Delivering a consistent service over time is challenging.
Havering will want to know how you'll maintain standards throughout the contract.
Talk about your staffing plans.
How will you cover for absences or turnover?
Explain your quality assurance processes.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Whenever I write a tender, I remind myself of the real people affected.
In this case, it's those struggling with smoking addiction, often alongside other challenges.
I'd keep asking, "How does this part of our service improve their lives?"
That's the lens I'd use to test every answer.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on smoking cessation without integrating wider health needs
- Overlook the specific needs of individuals with severe mental illness or substance misuse
- Fail to demonstrate evidence of past success in similar services
- Ignore the importance of co-located delivery and integrated referrals
- Lack detail on how quality will be maintained over the contract term
- Make generic promises without concrete plans
- Underestimate the importance of reducing the client's workload
- Fail to address how the service will adapt to changing needs
My Final Thoughts
The London Borough of Havering is looking for a partner who understands the complexities of smoking cessation within vulnerable populations.
With a contract value of £1.2 million, this is a significant investment in public health.
They've prioritised integration and tailored support, making it clear that quality and evidence will carry weight in their decision.
That's what I'd focus on in the written submission — showing how your service aligns with their vision for sustainable behaviour change.
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.