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How to write a method statement for a tender

What evaluators look for in a tender method statement for works and services, with a structure you can adapt and common mistakes to avoid.

3 min readUpdated 4 October 2026By the West Gate bid team
In shortA tender method statement explains how you will deliver this contract: sequence, resources, health and safety, quality, programme, risk and communication. It is different from a site-level RAMS document, although it draws on the same thinking.

Tender method statement or RAMS?

A site method statement (often part of RAMS) tells operatives how to do a task safely. A tender method statement persuades evaluators that your approach to the whole contract is safe, efficient and low-risk. Answer the question set; do not paste a RAMS document.

A structure you can adapt

  1. Understanding of the requirement: scope, site constraints, stakeholders and what success looks like for the buyer.
  2. Approach and sequence: phases or work stages in order, with logic for the sequence.
  3. Resources: named roles, supervision ratios, plant and equipment, supply chain and subcontractors.
  4. Programme: key milestones, durations and how you will recover delays.
  5. Health and safety: the significant risks for this contract and how you control them, including CDM 2015 duties where relevant.
  6. Quality: inspection and test points, sign-off, defect management and handover.
  7. Environment and sustainability: waste, materials, emissions, noise and dust.
  8. Communication: liaison with the buyer, residents, occupants or the public; reporting and meetings.
  9. Risks and mitigations: a short table of the top risks.

Make it specific

Refer to the actual site or service: access routes, occupied buildings, school terms, working hours, parking, sensitive neighbours. Specificity is the clearest signal that you have read the documents and can deliver.

Use visuals where allowed

Programmes, process flows, organograms and risk tables convey a lot in a small space, but check whether they count towards the page or word limit.

Common mistakes

  • Generic text that could apply to any job.
  • Ignoring the buyer's sub-questions or changing their order.
  • Committing to things you cannot deliver, or that conflict with your price.
  • Health and safety written as policy statements rather than controls for this contract.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a method statement be?

As long as the word or page limit allows, and no longer. Use the space to address every sub-question with specific detail.

Can I include our RAMS?

Only if requested. A tender method statement should summarise your approach; RAMS can be offered on award.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Always follow the tender documents and take legal advice where needed.

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