1st Edition | May 2022 | Human Engine Insights
Welcome and thank you for your curiosity. Human Engine Insights is our monthly digest of what's happening in our world. Each edition will include industry news, top business tips and thought pieces from our team on what's happening within the private and public sector.
We hope you enjoy this first edition - Hit subscribe to see future editions.
About Human Engine
If you're reading this you might or might not know who we are. Perhaps you're connected to a member of our team or we've worked together? If you've not heard of us, to demystify confusion, let's start from the beginning and tell you who we are...
Human Engine is a leading management consultancy with specialisms in strategy, change, digital, commercial, procurement and projects.
Our experienced team established the business in 2018 having held senior leadership roles in local government. Since then, we have worked with local authorities, central government, charities and NHS organisations nationally to help transform their strategies, operations and cultures to improve outcomes for customers and communities.
We have been named by the Financial Times as one of the UK’s leading management consultancies, recognised as one of the top 25 firms in the fields of Organisational Change, Sustainability and People & Performance.
Our mission is to help individuals and organisations to do the best work of their lives. We do this by blending first-hand, practical experience of the problems we help our clients solve with award-winning consulting expertise and an approach based on trust, collaboration and partnership. We work with our clients and their teams as a single, human engine. Put simply, people make it work.
If you wish to find out more about us - Visit Our Website
Monthly Feature: 3 Minutes of Learning
Top 10 Tips for Submitting Successful Funding Bids
Each year, billions of pounds in funding and grants are available to organisations that are able to successfully secure funding with concise, compelling responses to bids and tenders.
Based on his experience of successfully bidding for hundreds of opportunities, our very own Commercial Director, Michael Curnow has compiled his top 10 tips to keep in mind.
Eligibility. First and foremost, read the specification and supporting information carefully. Ensure that your organisation and your proposed initiative are eligible and aligned to the funder’s aims, objectives and criteria. There’s nothing more frustrating than starting your response, only to later realise that you’re not able to apply.
Structure. Before writing, create a clear structure that makes it easy for the evaluator to assess the answers and see that you have fully addressed the requirements. Focus on the response, be concise and ensure to remove ‘could know’ content that distracts from more valuable information.
Key phrases. It’s vital to identify key phrases from the questions/requirements to weave into your response. This makes it easier for the evaluators to read, understand and assures them whilst demonstrating that you have understood their requirements and culture.
Simplicity. Write the bid in simple language, to evidence your credibility, detail relevant knowledge and expertise rather than your use of a Thesaurus. Do not use complex jargon and acronyms, which the funder might not understand.
Benefits. Ensure you complement the features of your programme with the benefits you will deliver. A feature is a description of what will be delivered, whereas a benefit would include examples of how your programme will result in a positive impact, or a specific outcome that will be delivered through the use of funding. Detailing benefits allows you to differentiate yourself from other applications by showing you understand what the commissioner needs to achieve.
Evidence. It is vital you include credible, understandable evidence to support your answers. This can include case studies, statistics and data, references and quotes. Evidence can help to identify the needs and the reason we need the funding. Examples from elsewhere can also reassure the evaluator by showing them where we have delivered previously and how successful it was.
Images. When permitted, use diagrams, images and infographics in your answers. This helps to break up long passages of text and there is significant truth in the statement, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Often, an image is better to illustrate a process or team structures. Well-labelled, relevant diagrams and infographics can pull a whole bid together.
Evaluating Success. Make sure you explain how you intend to measure the impact of your programme. Outline the desired outcomes, what would constitute success and explain how you will evaluate this in future. This gives the funder confidence that you will focus on results, not just on delivery.
Added value. To help us score maximum marks it is always a good idea to draw out how you can provide added value. This includes going above and beyond what is required and trying to provide additional benefits to the funder and communities through your programme.
Check, check and check again. From the moment your bid lands, check everything twice. What do the questions actually mean? Have you answered the question? Is the spelling ok? Have you referenced people and programmes in a way that’s consistent and coherent? We want your reader to focus on content, not careless errors. Bid writing is high-pressured, deadline driven, but above all a team task. Look for support, listen to colleagues and, if you get the chance, get yourself onto some specialist training – it’ll make all the difference to your responses.
Course of the Month
Submitting Successful Funding Bids
Write to Win. A one-day course to help you create successful bids and unlock £millions of funding. The course will cover current best practice principles and combines trainer input, discussion, practical exercises and peer group feedback. 🎯
10th June 2022 || 09:30 - 16:00
Delivered by Sue Calthorpe, Director, The Clive Davis Partnership Ltd.
Sue Calthorpe writes bids for a living. She also teaches and coaches teams and individuals to help improve their written skills. Current clients include: Crown Commercial Service; Sheffield City Council; Transport for Greater Manchester; Avon & Somerset Police; English Heritage; National Crime Agency; SNC-Lavalin Atkins; The Royal Ballet School; BUPA Global; FCDO Services; Shelter; Legal & General; Imperial War Museums.
Register Here - Exclusive 20% Discount using code 'Commercial20'
Face to Face!
We're delighted to announce our team will be exhibiting at the upcoming LGA Conference in Harrogate. Stall Q26! We're looking forward to meeting many faces at the biggest event in the #localgov calendar! Drop by, it would be great to see you.
Harrogate, 28 - 30 June 2022 || Local Government Association
Looking Ahead
We’re so glad you joined us for our first-ever LinkedIn Newsletter — we’d love to hear what you’re thinking. Any topics you'd like us to share our perspective on? Drop us a comment and let us know!
Until then, hit subscribe on Linkedin so you don't miss our next one.