Bid readiness checklist for public sector tenders

Company basics

Company or sole trader detailsRegistered name and address, Companies House number if you're a company, and your VAT number if registered.
Registered on the Central Digital PlatformUnder the Procurement Act 2023, suppliers register on Find a Tender and share their core supplier information before bidding for contracts run under the Act.
Last two or three years of accountsBuyers use them to check turnover and financial standing. Newer businesses can usually offer management accounts or a bank reference instead.

Employer's liability insuranceA legal requirement once you employ anyone, with at least £5m of cover.
Public liability insuranceCommonly asked for. £5m is typical, and some contracts ask for £10m.
Professional indemnity insuranceNeeded if you give advice, design or consultancy.

Health and safety policyMust be written down by law once you have five or more employees, and almost every buyer asks for one.
Equality and diversity policy
Environmental policy
Data protection (UK GDPR) policy
Modern slavery approachA published statement is required by law if your turnover is £36m or more; smaller firms are often asked how they check their supply chain.
Carbon Reduction PlanCentral government asks for one on larger contracts, and more buyers are asking for one.

Cyber EssentialsAsked for by many government contracts that involve handling personal or sensitive information.
A health and safety accreditation (for example CHAS, SafeContractor or Constructionline)Common for construction, maintenance and facilities work.
ISO 9001, 14001 or 45001 (if relevant to your work)Helpful for larger contracts, though buyers shouldn't make them the only way to show quality.

Three references or case studies of similar workIdeally recent, of a similar size, and public sector if you have them.
CVs or profiles of key people
A standard method statement and quality approachReusable text on how you plan, deliver and check the work.
Social value commitments you can deliverFor example local jobs, apprenticeships or volunteering. Most public contracts score this.