In the world of health and social care, the term “tender” refers to a formal offer or bid made by a care provider to deliver specific services, usually for a public sector body such as a local council or NHS trust. Tenders are a way for government and public organisations to source services competitively, ensuring they receive the best quality at the best value. For care providers, responding to a tender is often a necessary step in securing new business and expanding services.
A typical care-related tender might request domiciliary care, residential care, supported living, or specialist services for children or adults with complex needs. The commissioning body will outline its requirements in a document called a tender specification or invitation to tender (ITT), which care providers must respond to with detailed information about their service, pricing, qualifications, and policies.
Winning a tender doesn’t come down to price alone. Quality, compliance, experience, and ability to meet specific service outcomes all play a major role. Public sector tenders are governed by strict procurement rules, making the process transparent but also complex. Understanding how tenders work is crucial for care providers looking to grow their business in a regulated and highly competitive market.