South Tees All Age Carers Support Serviced
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The real focus isn't just support—it's sustaining carers
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, along with Middlesbrough Council, are commissioning a service with a clear aim.
Yes, it's about supporting unpaid carers.
But it's really about ensuring they can sustain their caring roles.
The service covers three distinct areas: adult carers, young carers and those supporting people with dementia.
Each lot is about more than just delivering a service. It's about enhancing the health, wellbeing and resilience of carers across the South Tees area.
Don't just tick boxes, think about the impact
What will most bidders do?
They'll list services, tick boxes and talk about compliance.
That won't be enough.
The Councils want to see the impact of your service on real people.
If I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for evidence that you understand the unique needs of these carers.
How will you ensure access to timely and appropriate support?
Remember, this is a partnership
You're not just a service provider.
You're entering a partnership with the Councils.
They need a provider who can deliver on statutory duties under the Care Act 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014.
Show how you'll work collaboratively to meet these obligations.
Pay attention to what they say
The Councils specify the need for "timely, appropriate and preventative support."
They're clear about the importance of accessible, high-quality information and advice.
That's where the focus should be.
Your response should demonstrate how you'll deliver this consistently.
Evidence always beats promises
Promises are easy to make.
Evidence is what counts.
If you have a track record of supporting carers effectively, share it.
- Case studies of past successes
- Testimonials from carers
- Data showing improved outcomes
That's what will set you apart.
Think about the people behind the titles
Adult carers, young carers, carers of those with dementia.
These aren't just categories.
They're people with unique challenges and needs.
Your submission should reflect an understanding of these differences.
How will you tailor your approach to each group?
Consistency over the whole term
A four-year term with a potential four-year extension is a long time.
How will you maintain standards throughout?
Consider challenges like staff turnover, training and performance reviews.
I'd want to see a plan for regular quality checks and feedback mechanisms.
Show how you'll be proactive, not reactive
Prevention is key.
How will you identify issues before they become problems?
Think about outreach, early intervention and continuous support.
Ensure your proposal highlights how you'll be proactive in your approach.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This service isn't about ticking boxes.
It's about real people and real outcomes.
Every decision, every process, every interaction should be about making a positive difference in carers' lives.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on service delivery without considering impact
- Lack evidence of past successes
- Overlook the need for tailored approaches for different carer groups
- Ignore the importance of partnership with the Councils
- Fail to demonstrate understanding of statutory duties
- Don't address how they'll maintain standards over time
- Miss the focus on proactive, preventative support
My Final Thoughts
The Councils are looking for a partner who understands the importance of sustaining carers in their roles.
The contract value of £7,097,526 and a duration of up to eight years highlight the significance of this service.
Quality delivery will be crucial.
Your written submission needs to capture how you'll achieve this consistently, reflecting the core values and statutory duties outlined in the tender.
Remember, it's about making a real difference.
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.