Public Relations & Communications Support for HCCI (2026)
1. Introduction & Strategic Context
Home & Community Care Ireland (HCCI) invites proposals for senior-level Public Relations and Communications support for 2026. This role is designed to provide targeted, high-impact support aligned with HCCI's Strategy While full-service agencies may apply, the tender is likely better structured for an independent contractor. Agencies must demonstrate how they will deliver the required support within the specified fee and scope.
2. Scope of Services
* Strategic Counsel:
Senior-level advice to the CEO, including crisis counsel and rapid response as needed.
* National PR Leadership:
Shape and execute HCCI's national PR strategy, focusing on key media events.
* Speechwriting:
Input into and draft key speeches for the CEO, supporting major events and media appearances.
* Reporting:
Produce a monthly report outlining hours worked, activities undertaken, and key outcomes achieved.
Note:
* The support required is for approximately major media events, with other support as needed.
* Media monitoring and other associated products typically offered by full-service agencies are not required.
3. Commercial Terms
* Retainer Fee:
€1,500 per calendar month (exclusive of VAT).
* Bank of Hours:
An initial agreed pool of hours to be drawn down as needed throughout the year, with the aim of retaining sufficient hours for year-round support. Top-up hours may be agreed in advance if required.
* Invoicing:
Monthly invoice accompanied by a timesheet and activity report (including outcomes achieved).
4. Deliverables & KPIs
* High-level PR and communications plan aligned to HCCI's strategic plan.
* Delivery of major media events as agreed.
* Edit drafts of key CEO speeches and other materials as needed.
* Monthly reporting on activity, outcomes, and strategic impact.
5. Supplier Requirements
* Demonstrable experience in senior-level PR/communications, preferably in health, social care, or advocacy sectors.
* Proven track record of working with CEOs.
* GDPR compliance and confidentiality assurance.
* Professional indemnity insurance.
* References from comparable engagements.
* All outputs, materials, and deliverables produced under this contract will be the property of HCCI. The successful bidder will assign any intellectual property rights in such materials to HCCI upon creation.
6. Bid Submission Requirements
HCCI expects each bid to include the following:
* Executive Summary: A concise overview of the bidder's suitability for the role, understanding of HCCI's mission, and proposed approach.
* Relevant Experience: Details of senior-level PR/communications experience, especially in health, social care, or advocacy sectors. Include examples of similar work, particularly with CEOs or Boards.
* Proposed Service Model: Description of how the bidder will deliver the required support, including availability, approach to monthly media events, and collaboration with HCCI's internal team.
* Key Personnel: Names and bios of the proposed account lead(s), highlighting relevant expertise.
* Sample Deliverables: Examples of previous press releases, speeches, or media engagement materials (redacted as needed).
* Measurement & Reporting: Outline of how activity, outcomes, and hours will be tracked and reported monthly.
* Fee Structure: Confirmation of ability to deliver within the €1,500 per month retainer (ex. VAT), including proposed allocation of hours and any top-up rates if applicable.
* Compliance Documentation: Evidence of GDPR compliance, confidentiality assurance, and professional indemnity insurance.
* Conflicts of Interest: Bidders must disclose any existing or potential conflicts of interest that could impact their ability to deliver services impartially to HCCI.
* References: Contact details for at least two clients for whom similar services have been provided.
* Submission Format: Bids should be submitted in PDF or Word format by email to, clearly labelled "HCCI PR Support Tender 2026 – [Bidder Name]".
7. Evaluation Criteria
* Strategic fit and understanding of HCCI's mission (30%)
* Relevant experience and seniority (30%)
* Quality of proposed measurement and reporting (15%)
* Team/availability and ways of working (15%)
* Commercials and value (10%)
8. Contract & Governance
* Contract term: 12 months (2026), with options for extension or early termination for convenience or cause.
* Quarterly performance reviews.
* Board oversight and approval of appointment.
9. Timetable
* Issue to market: w/c 8th December 2025
* Q&A window closes: 12pm Tuesday 16th December 2025
* Submission deadline: 5pm 19th December 2025
* Evaluation and recommendation: by 9th January 2026
* Interview with shortlisted vendors: 12th to 16th January 2026
* Contract start: 19th January 2026
Bidder Queries: All questions regarding this tender should be submitted by email to before 12pm Tuesday 16th December 2025. Responses will be provided to all bidders.
About HCCI
Home & Community Care Ireland (HCCI) is the voice for home and community care providers across Ireland. Our mission is to drive policies that sustain the sector, guaranteeing the highest standards of care for people — whether services are publicly funded or privately sourced — and uphold the well-being of our workforce. We are committed to honesty, integrity and evidence-led policy.
Our vision is a future where every adult in Ireland has a statutory right to home care and where solutions in the community are thoughtfully designed to support people. At HCCI, we not only advocate for care — we champion a system that respects and empowers every person it serves.
We represent independent home care providers who are shaping the future of care in Ireland. We exist to give our members a strong voice in decisions that matter, to advocate for the value they bring to communities and to build a better system for everyone who relies on care whether they provide it or receive it.
At HCCI, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, compassionate and sustainable home care sector for all independent providers, whether non-profit, social enterprise, or private. Working together, we will create a home care system that meets the needs of every individual in Ireland