Night Safety Marshall
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't just think about security
When you see "Night Safety Marshal", your mind might immediately jump to security.
But this contract is about much more than that.
The Police & Crime Commissioner for Sussex wants a service that keeps Brighton's nighttime economy safe, especially for vulnerable individuals and women.
This is about community trust and safety, not just patrolling streets.
The contract covers deploying 8 SIA-accredited marshals in high-risk areas during peak hours, with a focus on preventing violence and identifying those at risk.
Think about supporting the community
The marshals aren't just there to deter crime.
They're there to support the community.
Engagement is a big part of this scheme.
The buyer needs marshals who can identify and assist vulnerable individuals and prevent violence through early intervention.
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on how your team engages with and supports the community, particularly women and girls.
Pay attention to what they say
The buyer makes it clear.
Preventing violence against women and girls is a priority.
They're looking for a diverse workforce that represents the community.
That means including at least two female marshals in each team of eight.
This isn't just a tick-box exercise.
It's a key component of the service they want to deliver.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that many bidders make grand promises.
Few provide evidence.
Here, you'll want to demonstrate your experience and success in similar roles.
- Case studies of past successful deployments
- Testimonials from past clients
- Data showing reduced incidents in areas you've worked
- Examples of how you've handled incidents effectively
Show how you'll manage the team
Managing a team of marshals isn't just about making sure they're in the right place at the right time.
It's about how you'll maintain standards over the year.
I'd want to know how you'll ensure your marshals are trained and equipped properly.
How you'll handle absences or emergencies.
And how you'll keep communication open with Sussex Police.
The importance of training
Training is a core requirement in this tender.
Your marshals must be equipped to deal with situations appropriately, especially involving vulnerable individuals.
The buyer expects a robust training programme.
I'd focus on detailing how your training covers all necessary aspects, including specific emphasis on handling situations involving women and girls.
Remember, it's about more than just the marshals
The marshals are the face of the service, but the management behind them is equally important.
Sussex Police requires regular management information.
Your submission should explain how you'll collect, manage and report data.
Highlight how you'll use this data to improve service delivery.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This isn't just about security.
It's about creating a safe environment for everyone in Brighton's nighttime economy.
Every decision, every deployment, every interaction should be guided by that goal.
Ask yourself, "How am I contributing to a safer community?"
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on security without community engagement
- Lack evidence of past successes
- Fail to address the specific training needs outlined
- Overlook the importance of a diverse workforce
- Provide generic responses instead of tailored solutions
- Ignore the need for management information and reporting
- Underestimate the importance of preventing violence against women and girls
My Final Thoughts
The Police & Crime Commissioner for Sussex is looking for more than just a security service.
They're looking for a partner in community safety.
The contract's value of £360,000 reflects the importance of quality in service delivery.
With an option to extend up to 2029, showing how you'll maintain standards over time is crucial.
Quality will likely weigh heavily, which means your written submission needs to stand out.
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.