Provision of Care Navigators
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think about the real goal
This isn't just about providing care navigators.
It's about transformation.
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a partner who can help transform community mental health services.
They want care navigators who can empower service users, carers and families to navigate local services independently.
The contract covers four local authority areas: Middlesbrough, Redcar, Darlington and Stockton.
Each area is its own lot.
Don't just focus on the mechanics
Many bidders will focus on the logistics.
They'll talk about staffing numbers and service coverage.
But that's not enough.
The Trust is looking for a partner who understands the bigger picture.
A partner who can work with multi-disciplinary teams and partner agencies.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to see how you plan to integrate your navigators into the existing ecosystem.
Remember who you're trying to convince
The end users are at the heart of this service.
Service users, carers and their families.
They want to feel supported and empowered.
I'd focus on how you can build trust and rapport with them.
How your navigators will make a tangible difference in their lives.
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.
- Case studies from similar projects
- Testimonials from service users
- Data showing improved outcomes
Anything that shows you can deliver on your promises.
Pay attention to what they say
The Trust is clear about its priorities.
They want a partner who can support their community mental health transformation programme.
They've split the procurement into four lots, which means they're looking for tailored solutions for each area.
They also mention the importance of working with multi-disciplinary teams.
That's what I'd focus on.
Show how you'll maintain standards over the term
Consistency is key.
The contract runs from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2030, with an option to extend to 2032.
I'd want to see how you plan to maintain high standards throughout.
- How will you handle staff turnover?
- What systems do you have in place for continuous improvement?
- How will you ensure your navigators stay engaged and motivated?
Don't underestimate the power of local knowledge
Each of the four areas has its own unique challenges and opportunities.
Middlesbrough isn't Redcar.
Darlington isn't Stockton.
I'd emphasise how your local knowledge will help you tailor your approach.
How you'll leverage local networks and resources to provide the best support.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This contract is about more than care navigation.
It's about empowering people.
If I were writing this tender, I'd keep asking myself:
"How will this make life better for service users?"
Every answer should tie back to that question.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus too much on logistics and not enough on outcomes
- Lack evidence to back up claims
- Ignore the importance of local knowledge
- Overlook the need for integration with existing services
- Fail to address how they'll maintain standards over the long term
- Neglect the specific needs of each local area
My Final Thoughts
This isn't just about filling positions with care navigators.
It's about partnering with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust to transform community mental health services.
The contract is valued at £670,770 and covers a three-year period, with the potential to extend to five years.
With multiple lots, there's a real opportunity to make an impact in each local area.
Quality and integration with existing services will be crucial.
That's where I'd focus the bulk of my written submission.
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.