Non-Devolved Adult Skills Fund Delivery Opportunity
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Look beyond the funding
This tender isn't just about delivering adult education.
It's about transforming lives.
Hertford Regional College (HRC) is looking for a partner who can engage with learners aged 19+ and provide them with skills for the security industry, tailored to local needs.
The contract is valued at £110,000 and runs from January to July 2027, based at the Broxbourne Campus.
Your submission needs to reflect an understanding of the college's mission and the learners' needs.
Think about progression into employment
The core of this tender is progression.
HRC needs assurance that learners will not only gain qualifications but also move into employment.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be scrutinising how you plan to achieve this.
Your response should detail partnerships with local stakeholders and demonstrate past success in similar programmes.
Evidence of progression rates and employment outcomes will be crucial.
Remember the importance of local partnerships
HRC emphasises working in partnership with local stakeholders.
This isn't just a tick-box exercise.
You'll need to show how your connections in the community will enhance the programme and support learners effectively.
Think about partnerships with local employers, DWP services and community organisations.
They'll want to see a network that supports learners beyond the classroom.
Pay attention to what they say
The DWP Funding Rules are non-negotiable.
Your delivery must align with these regulations.
HRC has made it clear that they are looking for innovation within these parameters.
You'll need to demonstrate a creative approach that still adheres to compliance.
Be explicit about how your methods meet these requirements.
Don't overlook the SIA licence
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence isn't an optional extra.
It's a fundamental part of the programme.
Your proposal should clearly outline how you will incorporate SIA training and ensure that learners meet the necessary standards to obtain their licences.
This is a key outcome for the learners and the contract.
Evidence always beats promises
One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that almost every bidder claimed to deliver an excellent service.
Very few proved it.
If you have evidence, use it.
- Testimonials from previous clients
- Data on progression rates
- Examples of successful employment outcomes
- Feedback from learners
These will all strengthen your submission.
Consistency over the whole term
Consistency is key.
You're delivering three separate cohorts of 12 learners.
Each group must receive the same high level of service and support.
Think about staffing, resources and how you'll maintain standards across all cohorts.
I'd want to see your plan for managing absences and ensuring continuity.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This contract is about people.
Real people who need skills and jobs.
Your response should always circle back to the impact on learners.
Every answer should consider their journey and how you can make it successful.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Ignore the importance of the SIA licence
- Lack evidence of progression into employment
- Overlook the need for local partnerships
- Fail to align with DWP Funding Rules
- Provide generic responses instead of tailored solutions
- Ignore the management fee and potential scoring weightings
- Are incomplete or non-compliant with submission requirements
- Lack a plan for maintaining consistency across cohorts
My Final Thoughts
HRC is looking for more than just a training provider.
They want a partner who can deliver real change for 36 learners in the East of England.
The contract is valued at £110,000 with a management fee of 20%, running from January to July 2027.
Quality in your written submission is essential, as procurement question responses scoring less than 150/300 could see you out of the running.
If I were bidding, I'd focus on proving my track record and showing how I can transform lives through this programme.
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.