How to Obtain Domiciliary Care Contracts
Domiciliary care providers can secure contracts primarily through local authority tenders. Here's how:
1. Understand Local Authority Tendering
Local authorities often outsource domiciliary care services to independent providers through a formal tendering process. This involves submitting bids during specific procurement windows, outlining how your service can meet the council’s needs in terms of quality, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
Successful tendering requires a clear understanding of the application process, including eligibility criteria, service specifications, and evaluation scoring. Regularly monitor platforms like Contracts Finder or your local council's procurement portal to stay informed about upcoming opportunities. Being awarded a place on a framework or dynamic purchasing system (DPS) can lead to consistent referrals and long-term stability.
2. Prepare for Tendering
Before applying for domiciliary care contracts, it’s crucial to ensure your business is in the strongest possible position. Compliance is key; your service must meet all legal and regulatory requirements, particularly Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration and up-to-date policies on safeguarding, staffing, and health and safety. Demonstrating these standards is often a minimum requirement for any bid.
You should also have strong quality assurance processes in place. This might include internal audits, feedback systems, and examples of positive client outcomes. Local authorities will also look at your financial health to ensure you can deliver services reliably over time, so prepare financial records and references to show stability.
3. Find Tender Opportunities
Tender opportunities are published regularly by local authorities and NHS bodies seeking care providers. The most common platform is Contracts Finder, which lists central and local government contracts in England. Some councils also use dedicated procurement portals such as ProContract or Delta eSourcing.
Set up alerts and check these platforms regularly to stay informed. Framework agreements and Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS) often reopen for new providers to join, even if they’ve already been established. Getting onto a framework can open up regular referral opportunities and strengthen your business pipeline.
4. Submit a Strong Proposal
Your tender submission should clearly demonstrate how your service meets the council’s requirements. This includes your staffing model, training and development plans, safeguarding protocols, and quality control methods. Use case studies, testimonials, or inspection results to back up your claims and stand out from the competition.
Tailor each proposal to the specific contract and council priorities. Focus on outcomes, how your service improves clients’ quality of life, and show how you’ll ensure continuity, safety, and person-centred care. A well-written, evidence-based proposal can significantly boost your chances of success.
How to Attract Private Domiciliary Care Clients
Building a private client base requires targeted marketing and a reputation for excellence.
1. Enhance Your Online Presence and Leverage Social Media
Professional Website: Create an informative, user-friendly website detailing your services, values, and contact information.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): Optimise your website with relevant keywords to improve visibility in search engine results.
Google My Business: Set up a profile to appear in local searches and on Google Maps.
Engagement: Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share updates, client testimonials, and informative content.
Advertising: Utilise targeted ads to reach potential clients in your service area.
2. Network with Healthcare Professionals
Many private care referrals come through trusted local professionals like GPs, hospital discharge teams, social workers, and community leaders. Building relationships with these stakeholders can provide a steady stream of new clients.
Attend local healthcare events, join care provider forums, and introduce yourself to practice managers or health centre staff. Bring along brochures and business cards to leave behind. A good reputation within these networks can lead to word-of-mouth recommendations over time.
3. Maintain High-Quality Care
Ultimately, the best marketing is a happy client. Prioritising compassionate, reliable care will lead to positive feedback, which encourages word-of-mouth referrals and strengthens your public profile. High CQC ratings are also publicly visible and can influence families' decisions.
Encourage clients and their families to leave reviews on Google, care directories like Homecare.co.uk, or your website. Authentic testimonials ,especially ones that speak to quality of life improvements, help build credibility with new clients seeking reassurance.