Strengthening Cultural Capability and Trauma Informed Care in Women’s Health
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
The real focus isn't just on training
When you first look at this tender, it might seem like it's all about delivering training on cultural capability and trauma-informed care. But that's not the whole picture.
NHS England is looking for something much deeper.
They're aiming to transform how women's health services listen to and support women, particularly those from the Global Majority and Core20 population.
It's about changing attitudes and building a lasting capacity within the NHS. The contract covers the development of a sustainable training programme that can be adapted and evolved over time.
Think about the women affected
This isn't just a healthcare contract. It's about real women who often feel unheard and in pain.
The buyer has spelled out the issues: women not being listened to and their pain being under-recognised. This is compounded for women from the Global Majority.
Your response should reflect an understanding of these challenges. Demonstrate how your approach will address them directly and sensitively.
Remember the workforce's role
The workforce is at the heart of this contract.
NHS England wants to ensure that the workforce is not only trained but also has the capacity to listen, recognise pain and deliver culturally competent care.
Your bid should outline how you'll engage with and support the workforce in this transformation. It's not just about delivering a course; it's about empowering change from within.
Build capacity, not just content
One-off training isn't what they're after.
They're looking for a programme that can be sustained and built upon. Your submission should highlight how you plan to build capacity within each NHS England region.
Explain how you'll ensure that the materials and resources you develop will be adaptable and refreshable for future needs.
Pay attention to what they say
The buyer is clear on several priorities.
They want a programme shaped by the experiences of the workforce and feedback from women, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
They're also looking for practical guidance for integrated care boards to sustain and further develop the work.
These priorities should run through your entire submission. Reflect on how your approach aligns with these aims.
Evidence always beats promises
If I were evaluating bids, I'd want to see solid evidence of your capability and experience.
- Examples of similar programmes you've delivered
- Testimonials or case studies from previous clients
- Data showing the impact of your past work
- Strategies for engaging diverse communities
These are the kinds of evidence that will make your submission stand out.
Consistency over the whole term
This contract isn't just for a few months. It could be extended to June 2027.
Think about how you'll maintain quality and consistency throughout the term.
Address potential challenges like staff turnover or evolving needs within the NHS. Show how your approach will adapt to these changes while maintaining high standards.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
At the core of this tender are real people with real needs.
Every part of your response should come back to this simple question:
How will this initiative genuinely improve the experiences of women accessing health services?
This is the lens through which NHS England will be viewing your submission.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on content delivery without addressing sustainability
- Ignore the specific needs of women from the Global Majority
- Overlook the importance of engaging the workforce in the process
- Provide generic solutions not tailored to NHS England's aims
- Fail to demonstrate past experience with similar initiatives
- Neglect to outline a clear plan for capacity building
My Final Thoughts
NHS England isn't just buying a training programme. They're investing in a transformation of women's health services.
The contract's value is £175,000, with a potential extension to 30 June 2027. This means quality is key.
Your written submission carries significant weight. Make sure it reflects the buyer's priorities and demonstrates your ability to deliver a programme that truly makes a 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.