VCFSE Safeguarding Support Service
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Don't focus only on the word "safeguarding"
Yes, this tender is about safeguarding.
But if I were evaluating bids, I'd be looking for more than just a checklist of safeguarding activities.
The East Riding of Yorkshire Council wants a partner who can build capacity within the VCFSE sector.
This contract is about creating safer communities and organisations.
It's about strategic representation, collaboration and amplifying community voices.
The service covers specialist support, advice, training and acting as a link between sectors.
Winning this contract means demonstrating how you'll develop safe practices and effective responses to emerging risks.
Think about the organisations you'll be supporting
Voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations all have unique challenges.
Your response needs to show an understanding of these diverse needs.
I'd look to see how you plan to tailor your support to meet the specific requirements of each type of organisation.
Consider how you'll engage with them and help them navigate their safeguarding responsibilities.
They'll need reassurance that you can provide relevant, accessible advice and training.
Pay attention to what they say
The buyer is clear that collaboration and strategic representation are key.
They want a service that promotes collaboration and shares learning and best practice.
This isn't just about ticking boxes.
It's about fostering a culture of safeguarding across the East Riding.
I'd suggest focusing on how you'll facilitate these partnerships and ensure that safeguarding is a shared priority.
Show how you plan to be a trusted link between the VCFSE sector and statutory agencies.
Evidence always beats promises
Every bidder will promise excellent service delivery.
But evidence is what sets you apart.
I'd recommend including:
- Examples of past projects where you've built safeguarding capacity
- Case studies showing successful collaboration with similar organisations
- Testimonials from organisations you've previously supported
- Quantitative data on the impact of your training and advice
This evidence will strengthen your bid and demonstrate your capability.
Remember the people at the heart of this
Ultimately, this service is about protecting children, young people and adults at risk.
Keep this in mind as you write your responses.
Every section should reflect how your work contributes to safer communities and organisations.
This focus on real-world impact can make your submission more compelling.
Consistency over the contract term
The contract runs from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2029, with the possibility of extension to 2030.
I'd want to know how you'll maintain high standards throughout this period.
Think about:
- Staff training and retention
- Regular performance reviews
- Mechanisms for feedback and adaptation
- Continual development of your service offering
Buyers want assurance that your service will remain reliable and effective over time.
Show how you'll make life easier for the Council
Every contract involves management and oversight from the buyer.
How will you reduce this burden for East Riding of Yorkshire Council?
I'd be looking for efficient reporting systems, clear communication channels and proactive issue resolution.
Your response should reassure the Council that partnering with you won't add to their workload.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
This contract is about more than just providing a service.
It's about partnership, capacity building and fostering a safeguarding culture.
With every answer, ask yourself:
"How does this contribute to a safer, more collaborative community?"
If your response aligns with this goal, you're on the right track.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus solely on delivering training without addressing strategic representation
- Ignore the diverse needs of VCFSE organisations
- Lack evidence of past success in similar roles
- Overlook the importance of collaboration and partnership
- Fail to address how you'll maintain service quality over the contract term
- Don't provide clear mechanisms for feedback and adaptation
- Forget the ultimate aim of safeguarding vulnerable people
My Final Thoughts
This tender isn't just about safeguarding activities.
It's about building a culture of safety across diverse organisations.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is investing £154,800 over two years, with the potential to extend to three.
This means they're looking for a partner who can deliver consistent quality.
Your written submission needs to reflect the importance of the service's strategic role.
Focus on collaboration, capacity building and supporting a safer community.
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.