National Education and Training for NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression - Core
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't get distracted by the numbers
Yes, the contract is worth £125,264,006.
But what NHS England is really looking for isn't just numbers on a page.
They're looking for partners who can deliver training that genuinely expands and supports the workforce for NHS Talking Therapies.
That's the real focus here.
The contract covers the provision of training places, supporting both workforce replacement and expansion.
The aim is to align with policy developments and workforce requirements over the initial three-year term, with possible extensions.
Think about the impact on patients
When you're writing your response, remember who this ultimately affects.
Patients.
The therapists you're training will be helping people with anxiety and depression.
Your training programme needs to ensure they can deliver effective, empathetic care.
The quality of training directly impacts patient outcomes.
That's what I'd keep in mind throughout your submission.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder promised excellent service.
But very few proved it.
If you have evidence of successful training outcomes, now's the time to use it.
- Testimonials from past trainees
- Case studies demonstrating impact
- Data showing improvements in therapy outcomes
- Accreditation or recognition from relevant bodies
These are your tools to stand out.
Pay attention to what they say
NHS England's documents make it clear that quality is a priority.
They’re not just looking for the lowest price.
The pricing mechanism is based on cost per learner, verified quarterly through the National School of Healthcare Science.
This means accuracy and transparency are crucial.
Make sure your pricing model is clear and aligns with their expectations.
Show how you'll maintain standards over time
Consistency is key in a contract of this length.
You'll need to demonstrate how you'll keep the quality of training high over the whole term.
Think about staffing.
How will you ensure you have the right people in place throughout?
Consider performance reviews and continuous improvement processes.
Explain how you'll handle any issues that arise.
Remember who you're trying to convince
This isn't just about submitting a document.
You're trying to convince NHS England that you're the right partner.
Think about what worries them.
Missed deadlines? Variability in training quality? Lack of alignment with policy changes?
Address these concerns directly in your submission.
Don't underestimate the importance of geographic footprints
The tender allows submissions for different Lots and Geographic Footprints.
This isn't just an administrative detail.
It's about understanding the specific needs of different areas.
If you're bidding for multiple footprints, tailor your approach to each one.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Every part of your submission should answer one question.
"How does this benefit the NHS and its patients?"
If you're ever unsure about what to include, test it against this question.
It'll help keep your focus where it needs to be.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Overemphasise cost without addressing quality
- Lack evidence to back up claims
- Ignore the specific needs of different geographic footprints
- Fail to outline how you'll maintain training quality over time
- Don't address potential challenges and solutions
- Overlook the importance of patient outcomes
- Lack a clear pricing model aligned with NHS expectations
- Ignore the verification process through the National School of Healthcare Science
My Final Thoughts
Ultimately, NHS England is looking to partner with organisations that can support and expand their therapy workforce effectively.
This contract, valued at £125,264,006, isn't just about numbers.
It's about improving patient care through high-quality training.
With the initial term lasting until April 2030, and possible extensions, consistency and quality are crucial.
Quality carries significant weight in this tender, so your written submission needs 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.