Overview

Bid Writer – Fully Remote

Permanent

£32,316

We are seeking a talented Bid Writer to join our successful Business Development Team. This role will focus on producing high-quality tender submissions that communicate Forward’s mission, values, and expertise to funders and commissioners. Your work will directly contribute to Forward retaining existing contracts and securing new business in line with our strategic growth plans.

Business Development sits at the heart of Forward – we are an ambitious, innovative, and mission-driven team. We work collaboratively across the organisation to develop compelling service offers for some of the most excluded people in society. You will use your writing skills and analytical ability to capture and convey Forward’s approach across a wide range of services, including:

  • Substance misuse in community and prison settings
  • Mental health
  • Employment
  • Housing
  • Residential rehabilitation

Key Responsibilities

  • Write, edit, and proofread high-quality tender submissions.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across departments to gather information and shape compelling responses.
  • Conduct online research and analyse data to strengthen bids.
  • Build relationships with partners and stakeholders to support joint submissions.
  • Create engaging presentations, diagrams, and reports to support proposals.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of business development processes and team efficiency.

Essential Skills and Experience

  • Experience in business development or a writing-based role (e.g. fundraising, research, journalism – other backgrounds considered).
  • Strong track record of producing high-quality written content under tight deadlines.
  • Understanding of the tendering process.
  • Ability to analyse and assimilate complex information and present it clearly and concisely.
  • Excellent writing, editing, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to provide constructive feedback.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills – able to explain complex issues in a simple, engaging way.
  • Organised, methodical, and able to manage competing deadlines.
  • Collaborative team player with the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
  • Professional and positive approach, with a commitment to continuous learning and development.

Qualifications

  • Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).

Desirable Skills and Experience

  • Experience in business development, particularly within health, social care, or justice sectors.
  • Understanding of social value and how to embed it within bids.
  • Experience of service delivery or design.
  • Knowledge of substance misuse, criminal justice, housing, or employment services.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits – 

  • Flexible working
  • Training and development opportunities
    • Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
    • Season Ticket Loan Scheme 
    • Cycle to work scheme
    • Crisis Loan Scheme
    • Electric Car Scheme
    • 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata’d for part time employees)
    • Access to Blue Light Card
    • 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays 
    • Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter 
    • Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary) 
    • Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
    Diversity at Forward Trust
    The Forward Trust commits to providing opportunities to everyone. We want to ensure we have a diverse team with a range of lived and professional experiences. This includes those with ‘Lived Experience’ of addiction, offending, or homelessness.

    When we recruit, we welcome applications from everyone. This is inclusive of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and/or belief, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity and socio-economic background. Where operationally possible, we will consider flexible working requests and make reasonable adjustments for all roles.

    To find out more about Forward’s commitment to being an inclusive employer and our current EDI strategy click here.  


    Employee Screening and Eligibility to Work

    We recognise the importance of safeguarding, dependent on role you may be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service Check, details of which will be shared with you at interview.

    If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the ‘Eligibility to Work in the UK’ requirements.

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