SAFEGUARDING PARTNERSHIP TRAINING PROVIDER

Kim Frater, founder of Bid Trawler
Written by Kim Frater
Former Public Sector Buyer • Founder of Bid Trawler • 40+ years' public sector experience
"I believe public procurement shouldn't be complicated. Every guide I write explains the process in plain English so you can bid with confidence."

3 minute read  •  Updated August 2026

A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.

Think about collaboration, not just training

When you look at this tender, the first thing that stands out is the emphasis on collaboration.

Yes, it's about safeguarding training.

But it's really about bringing together professionals and volunteers across Birmingham to work as a cohesive unit.

The Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP) isn't just looking for a set of training modules.

They're looking for a partner who can weave a network of collaboration among those working with children and families.

This contract covers a multi-agency training programme, which means your response should focus on how you'll facilitate collaboration among diverse organisations.

Remember who's at the heart of this

Children and families in Birmingham are at the centre of this procurement.

When crafting your response, think about the impact your training will have on them.

It's not just about delivering content.

It's about improving outcomes for children by ensuring that all agencies involved are working towards the same goal.

If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for a narrative that keeps children's welfare front and centre.

Pay attention to what they say

BSCP is clear about their statutory duty.

They need this training programme to ensure that organisations "collaborate effectively to safeguard and promote the welfare of children."

This is about compliance and excellence in safeguarding practice.

They aren't simply ticking a box.

They're looking for a training provider that understands the gravity of this duty and can deliver on it.

Don't just promise collaboration — prove it

Evidence always beats promises.

If you have experience in facilitating multi-agency training, show it.

  • Case studies of past programmes
  • Testimonials from previous clients
  • Statistics on improved collaboration outcomes
  • Examples of innovative training methods that encouraged inter-agency dialogue

These are the kinds of evidence that will make your bid stand out.

Think beyond the classroom

Training isn't just about what's taught on the day.

It's about the ongoing impact on practice.

How will you ensure that learning translates into action?

I'd want to see plans for follow-up sessions, resources for continued learning and mechanisms for measuring the impact of your training.

Show them how you'll make their lives easier

Delivering a programme like this is complex.

BSCP will need a partner who makes the process seamless.

Think about how you can reduce their workload.

  • Clear communication channels
  • A dedicated project manager
  • Structured feedback loops
  • Flexibility in delivery to accommodate different organisations

These are all things that can differentiate your bid.

Consistency over the contract term

This isn't a one-off project.

It's an ongoing programme.

You'll need to show how you'll maintain high standards throughout the contract duration.

Consider staffing, resource allocation and systems for monitoring and evaluation.

BSCP will want reassurance that your quality won't dip as time goes on.

One thing I'd keep reminding myself

At every stage of your response, ask yourself a single question.

"How does this help safeguard children better?"

If your answer isn't clear, rethink that part of your bid.

Common mistakes

Avoid submissions that:

  • Focus solely on training content rather than collaboration
  • Lack evidence of past success in similar programmes
  • Overlook the need for ongoing impact and follow-up
  • Fail to address the buyer's statutory duty language
  • Ignore the importance of a seamless delivery process
  • Offer no strategy for maintaining quality over time
  • Neglect the central focus on children's welfare
  • Assume price is the only deciding factor

My Final Thoughts

What Birmingham Children's Trust is really looking for is a catalyst for change.

A partner who can knit together the diverse strands of professionals and volunteers into a cohesive safeguarding network.

The contract is valued at £540,000, which signals the importance of quality.

Your written submission is critical here.

Focus on collaboration, evidence and the sustained impact of your training 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.

Kim
Founder, Bid Trawler

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.

kim@bidtrawler.com

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About our "How to Win This Contract" guides

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.

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