Bidding for children and young people's services

International Youth Day was first designated by the United Nations in 2000, and it is designed to both celebrate children and young people and raise awareness about the issues that affect them, including protecting their rights.

Bidding for children's and young people's (CYP) services in the UK public sector presents unique challenges and opportunities compared to adult services. As we approach International Youth Day, it's a perfect moment to explore these differences and share insights for successful tendering in this vital area.

Understanding the Distinctions

When bidding for CYP services, the primary difference lies in the focus on safeguarding, prevention, and developmental outcomes. Unlike adult services, which may prioritise immediate treatment interventions, care or support, CYP services often require a long-term perspective, emphasising the holistic development of children and young people. This includes their educational, social, physical, mental and emotional growth.

Another key difference is the regulatory environment. Bidding for services aimed at children and young people (CYP) in the UK involves navigating a distinct legislative landscape compared to services for adults. Understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring compliance and success in tendering.

Legislative Frameworks

For CYP services, the legislative focus is heavily on safeguarding and developmental support. Key legislation includes the Children Act 1989, (updated 2004) which prioritises the welfare of children, the Children and Families Act 2014 which emphasises support for families and children with special educational needs, and the Children and Social Work Act 2017, which introduced new safeguarding arrangements and responsibilities for various agencies. These laws mandate specific safeguarding protocols and require that any services provided must prioritise the protection and welfare of children.

Adult services are governed by legislation such as the Care Act 2014, and amendments in the Health and Care Act 2022, which emphasises adult safeguarding, eligibility for care, and the right to self-determination. This act outlines the responsibilities of local authorities in providing care and support for adults, focusing on their wellbeing and independence.

Safeguarding Differences

A critical difference between the two sectors is the approach to safeguarding. In CYP services, safeguarding is about protection and ensuring that children and young people are not exposed to harm, exploited or abused by someone in a position of authority. This involves strict compliance with safeguarding protocols and often requires multi-agency collaboration to address the needs of young people, including as they transition in to adulthood.

An example of multi-agency collaboration in safeguarding children is the establishment of Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASHs) in the UK. These hubs are designed to facilitate the sharing of information and collaborative decision-making among various agencies to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect. MASHs bring together professionals from different sectors, such as social services, health, education, and the police, to work in a coordinated manner. This collaboration allows for a comprehensive understanding of the risks faced by children and ensures that appropriate actions are taken to safeguard them.

The effectiveness of MASHs lies in their ability to 'join the dots' by pooling information from different agencies, which helps identify risks early and the prevention of abuse. For instance, in cases where signs of abuse might be apparent to one agency but not to others, MASHs can facilitate the sharing of this critical information, enabling a more informed and timely response. However, while multi-agency collaboration is crucial, it does not replace the responsibility of individual agencies to identify and support at-risk children.

Despite the benefits, multi-agency collaboration can be complex due to differing guidelines, practices, and structures among agencies. For example, the education sector may involve multiple schools or pre-school settings, each operating independently, while the health sector includes various services like health visiting and primary care, each with its own protocols. These differences can create challenges in achieving seamless collaboration. However, understanding these complexities and fostering a culture of shared learning and communication among agencies can help bridge gaps and improve safeguarding outcomes. Demonstrating an understanding of the benefits and challenges of multi-agency collaboration is vital for a compelling service offer.

For adults, safeguarding includes respecting their right to make choices, even if those choices involve some risk. Adults have the right to self-determination, which means they can choose not to act on safeguarding advice, a principle not applicable to children.

Transition and Eligibility

The transition from CYP to adult services involves navigating different eligibility criteria and service provisions. For instance, young people transitioning to adult services may face different thresholds for receiving care, as outlined in the Care Act 2014 and related legislation. This transition requires careful planning and coordination between agencies to ensure continuity of care.

The transition from children's and young people's services to adult services often presents significant challenges, primarily due to gaps in service provision and differences in eligibility criteria. As young people move into adulthood, they may find that the support they previously received is no longer available or that they must meet different criteria to access adult services. This can lead to disruptions in care and support, potentially leaving young people without the necessary resources to thrive during this critical period. These challenges underscore the importance of careful planning and coordination between agencies to ensure a seamless transition. By proactively addressing these gaps and aligning eligibility criteria, service providers can help maintain continuity of care, supporting young people as they navigate the complexities of adulthood.  Understanding these challenges, and how, as a service provider, you might help to overcome them, should be explained carefully in your bid response.

Mental Health Legislation

The Mental Health Act 1983 and its amendments apply to both children and adults but are implemented differently. For children and young people, there is a focus on ensuring that any hospital admission is appropriate for their age and needs, whereas for adults, the emphasis is on the individual's capacity and consent to treatment.

When preparing a strong bid response for mental health services aimed at young people, it's crucial to demonstrate an understanding of how these services are tailored to meet their unique developmental needs. Young people's mental health services often incorporate specific provisions and practices designed to provide age-appropriate care, recognising that their psychological and emotional development differs significantly from that of adults. For example, services might include specialised therapeutic approaches that focus on building resilience, promoting positive relationships, and supporting educational engagement. Involving families and carers in the treatment process can be essential, as it helps create a supportive environment that extends beyond clinical settings.

Highlighting these tailored approaches in a bid response not only shows compliance with best practices but also underscores a commitment to delivering effective and responsive care. By clearly describing how your service will address these developmental needs, you can strengthen your bid and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in providing mental health support to young people.

Funding

The differences in bidding for CYP services versus adult services are influenced by varying funding levels and strategic priorities. While there is a push for better funding and resources for CYP services, adult services are focused on managing existing resources efficiently. There is an increasing emphasis on prevention and early intervention in CYP services reflecting a shift towards addressing long-term societal needs.

Top Tips for Bidding

Prioritise Safeguarding

Ensure your bid clearly outlines robust safeguarding measures. Demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding legislation and how your services will protect children is crucial.

Emphasise Social Value

Highlight how your service will deliver social value, not just in terms of immediate outcomes but also in fostering long-term community benefits. This could include partnerships with local schools or community groups to enhance service delivery.

Tailor Your Approach

Recognise that CYP services require a different approach than adult services. Tailor your bid to reflect the unique needs of children and young people, focusing on developmental outcomes and family engagement.

Engage with Young People and Families

Incorporate the voices of young people and their families into your bidding process to ensure that the services you propose are truly reflective of their needs and preferences. Actively seeking input through consultations, surveys, or focus groups can provide invaluable insights into the specific challenges and aspirations of the community you aim to serve. By demonstrating a commitment to co-production and involving service users in the design and planning stages, your bid will not only align more closely with the real-world needs of young people but also show a dedication to empowering them and fostering a sense of ownership over the services they receive. This approach can significantly enhance the credibility and relevance of your tender response.

Stay Informed

Keep abreast of changes in legislation and policy. Public sector procurement is constantly evolving, and staying informed will ensure your bids remain compliant and competitive.

Overall bidding for CYP services requires an understanding of both the regulatory landscape and the unique needs of children and young people. By prioritising safeguarding, emphasising social value, and tailoring your approach, you can enhance your chances of success in this rewarding sector.

As we celebrate International Youth Day, let's commit to delivering services that truly benefit and empower the younger generation and focus on the possibilities of their future.

Do you need help defining your strategy for bidding for children's services? Or to write your winning bid? Ocean City Bids is a professional bid agency based in the UK, covering all industries and with extensive experience and expertise in healthcare, social care, recruitment, life sciences and telecoms.  We provide a range of services to support your business to bid for contracts, and to win. Contact us on bid@oceancitybids.co.uk for a friendly, informal discussion about your bidding needs. www.oceancitybids.co.uk