The Provision of a Digital Inclusion Service
A practical guide to understanding what Gloucestershire County Council really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think about what they're really buying
It's tempting to focus on the tech.
But Gloucestershire County Council isn't just looking for IT solutions.
They're looking for a partner to transform how individuals and businesses engage with digital tools.
The contract covers digital skills training, support programmes and helping people gain the confidence to use technology in everyday life.
Don't underestimate the human element
Yes, digital tools are important.
But this tender is about people.
Helping them overcome digital exclusion.
I'd focus on how your approach will make technology accessible and relevant to different groups within Gloucestershire.
Pay attention to what they say
Gloucestershire's strategy is clear.
They want "practical, high-impact interventions".
This means they’re looking for tangible results, not just plans.
I'd make sure to highlight case studies or past success stories that show your ability to deliver real change.
Outcomes over activities
Most bidders will list activities.
Workshops, training sessions, webinars.
But what the Council wants are outcomes.
How many people will feel more confident using digital tools? How many businesses will benefit from improved digital skills?
That's what I'd focus on.
Show your understanding of the local context
Gloucestershire is unique.
Its mix of rural and urban areas presents specific challenges for digital inclusion.
Show how your solution is tailored to these local needs.
Not just a generic approach.
Evidence always beats promises
When I was in the public sector, I saw many bidders making grand promises.
Few backed them up with evidence.
If you have examples of how you've improved digital inclusion elsewhere, use them.
- Statistics on increased digital engagement
- Testimonials from programme participants
- Case studies with clear before-and-after scenarios
Demonstrate how you'll manage the contract over three years
A three-year contract needs a robust management plan.
How will you ensure service continuity?
What happens if a staff member leaves?
I'd want to see a plan that covers recruitment, training and performance reviews.
Consistency is key.
Consider the risks and how you'll mitigate them
Digital exclusion is a complex issue.
There are risks involved in delivering these services.
What if technology changes rapidly? How will you keep up?
Show that you've thought about these challenges and have strategies in place to address them.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This isn't just about technology.
It's about people and making their lives better.
Every response should be framed around this core idea.
How will your service make a difference to people's daily lives?
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus too heavily on technology without considering user experience
- Overlook the specific needs of Gloucestershire's diverse communities
- Fail to provide evidence of past successes
- Neglect to outline a clear plan for ongoing service management
- Ignore potential risks and mitigation strategies
- Lack a focus on tangible outcomes rather than just activities
My Final Thoughts
Gloucestershire County Council is looking for a partner in their Digital Inclusion Strategy.
They want to see evidence of how you'll make a real impact.
With a contract value of £1,700,000 over three years, quality is likely weighted significantly.
This means your written submission needs to clearly demonstrate your ability to deliver practical, high-impact interventions.
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.