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Worcestershire County Council is seeking qualified and experienced suppliers to deliver services that support the Council to fulfil its Sufficiency Duty in relation to short breaks for Children with Disabilities and to improve the overall outcomes for these children. The framework agreement will assist the Council to improve the availability of suitable short breaks at the right time and right location, delivering the right support, ensuring that the Council’s Children in Care: • Receive the best care possible to meet their needs. • Are effectively supported to improve their individual outcomes. • Have their welfare promoted and are effectively safeguarded. The open framework is divided into four (4) Lots: • Lot 1 – Overnight Fostering Short Breaks • Lot 2 – Overnight Residential Short Breaks • Lot 3 – Domiciliary Care • Lot 4 – Short Breaks Support Workers The Council is seeking to put in place an open framework to establish the initial framework and appoint one or more Suppliers to deliver services. This Procurement is intended to set up a list of approved Suppliers. There is no limit to the number of Suppliers who can join the framework. Call-off Award Procedures will then be conducted, and Call-off contracts will then be awarded. The initial open framework will be for Lot 1 – Overnight Fostering Short Breaks and Lot 2 – Overnight Residential Short Breaks only, with new open framework start date of 1st November 2026. Lot 3 – Domiciliary Care and Lot 4 – Short Breaks Support Workers 4 will continue on the existing Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) until 28th February 2027. The framework for Lot 3 – Domiciliary Care and Lot 4 – Short Breaks Support Workers will open in the autumn, with an open framework start date of 1st March 2027. Lot 1– Overnight Fostering Short Breaks and Lot 2 – Overnight Residential Short Breaks will also reopen at this time. All Lots will then reopen at least annually in the autumn.

This project is funded in whole or in part by grant funding provided by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to the Improvement and Development Agency for Local Government (IDeA). The award of this contract and any payments under it are conditional upon IDeA finalising and maintaining in force a Grant Funding Agreement with DHSC covering the relevant Funding Period. In the event that: • the Grant Funding Agreement is not executed, • funding is reduced, withheld, suspended, or terminated, or • IDeA is required by DHSC to vary or terminate delivery of the relevant Funded Activities. IDeA reserves the right to vary, suspend or terminate this contract on written notice without liability beyond payment for services properly delivered up to the date of termination. By submitting the bid, the Supplier acknowledges that this project forms part of the Funded Activities delivered under a Grant Funding Agreement between IDeA and DHSC. The Supplier must familiarise themselves with the special conditions attached to the Purchase Order Terms and Conditions for the delivery of the work. In order to deal with the significant delays in accessing assessments and reviews, identified by CQC, the council have requested support from PCH to ensure their present practices and processes are robust. The IDeA as Partners in Care and Health (PCH) are working with the Social Care institute for Excellence and other well-respected organisations to support the delivery of sector led improvement for adult social care. PCH helps councils to improve the way they deliver adult social care and public health services and helps Government understand the challenges faced by the sector. The programme is a trusted network for developing and sharing best practice, developing tools and techniques, providing support, and building connections. It is offered to councils without charge. In order to deal with the significant delays in accessing assessments and reviews, identified by CQC, the council have requested support from PCH to ensure their present practices and processes are robust. Brighton and Hove have recently introduced new assessment tools and are trying to build a culture of proportionality in practice. The contractor is asked to consider whether the implementation is robust and enables consistency and flags unnecessary full re assessment. In order to do this, as an evidence base for this work, the contractor will undertake a case and practice audit • Identify inconsistencies in proportionate approaches • Highlight training needs and workflow blockages • Consider any ‘cultural’ challenges of practice approaches In addition, the contractor will review and select appropriate risk ranking tools (e.g. traffic-light systems) and identify best practice caseload management approaches used by high performing councils. From all of the above, the contractor will draw together a report with recommendations for improving flow, consistency and waiting times.

The IDeA as Partners in Care and Health (PCH) are working with the Social Care institute for Excellence and other well-respected organisations to support the delivery of sector led improvement for adult social care. PCH helps councils to improve the way they deliver adult social care and public health services and helps Government understand the challenges faced by the sector. The programme is a trusted network for developing and sharing best practice, developing tools and techniques, providing support, and building connections. It is offered to councils without charge. Reading’s CQC assessment was published 10th October 2025. CQC feedback highlighted • delays in assessments and reviews, • inconsistent carers’ assessments • long delays in direct payments This project aims to address root causes, supporting sustainable service delivery and improvement outcomes for local people and carers. In order to address the areas highlighted by the CQC the Council wishes to manage demand, reduce waiting times and implement sustainable system change in Adult Social Care. The aim is to establish a robust, evidence led prevention framework for Adult Social Care, with a focus on improved outcomes for residents, demand reduction, delayed escalation into statutory services and reduced pressure on ASC front door including the Advice and Wellbeing Hub and Hospital pathways.

Tender Notice – Regional Care Cooperatives and Fostering Recruitment & Retention Programme The Department for Education intends to procure a Delivery Partner to support the establishment and early operation of up to six new Regional Care Cooperatives (RCCs) and to deliver the expanded Fostering Recruitment and Retention Programme. This contract is intended to run from July 2026 to 31 March 2028 (final timelines will be set out in the tendering documentation), with activity delivered across England through a mix of virtual and in person engagement. This notice is being issued to inform the market of the forthcoming opportunity. Regional Care Cooperatives Every child deserves safe, high-quality care close to home. Regional care cooperatives (RCCs) will help make this a reality by transforming the approach local areas take to commissioning and providing homes for children in care. Further background on RCCs and the policy intent behind this reform can be found here: Regional care cooperatives policy statement - GOV.UK The Delivery Partner will provide structured coaching, facilitation, and technical expertise to support regions through the RCC staged progression model—Foundation and Development—so that they are prepared to transition into Delivery, as set out in the RCC Design Specification Guidance here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-to-set-up-a-regional-care-cooperative. This will include support for: • diagnostics, planning and governance • co design and development of sufficiency strategies • market shaping approaches • adoption of the national common data model • establishment of core regional functions for sustainable forecasting and commissioning Further information please see tender documentation. Fostering Recruitment and Retention Programme The Department is also seeking a Delivery Partner to support the next phase of the Fostering Recruitment and Retention Programme, delivered under the same contract as the RCC support package. In this expanded phase, Fostering Hubs will progress beyond initial applicant engagement to manage the entire recruitment and approval process, creating a more integrated and end to end model of recruiting, assessing, and supporting foster carers. The programme contributes to the Department’s ambition to secure homes for 10,000 more children by 2029. Fostering Hubs guidance and application forms can be found here Fostering Programme: New Hubs Expression of Interest - GOV-UK Find a grant. The Delivery Partner will provide subject matter expertise in fostering recruitment and retention, alongside support to hubs in establishing performance monitoring and reporting mechanisms, delivering change management, and offering troubleshooting support as programme and/or LA level issues emerge. Support may include stakeholder relationship facilitation, HR related assistance, and co production of assessing social worker practice models. For new hubs, the Delivery Partner will provide challenge, independent oversight, and practical support through design and implementation. All support should be designed to build long term capability within hubs. It is anticipated that the Delivery Partner will work with approximately 100 participating LAs across new and existing hubs. The successful organisation will be expected to ensure strategic alignment between RCCs and Fostering Hubs, working closely with RCC leadership where established, and supporting areas to integrate hubs into RCCs as the system evolves. The long term vision is for every local authority to be part of an RCC.

This service supports some of our most vulnerable residents enabling them to continue to live in their own home within their communities. As part of the contract the service will be required to support social care workers with cases that involve individuals with sensory needs as a consultation service. The service is provided to make those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted more independent. If someone is blind/partially sighted, an assessment is done and then training, so service users can use public transport, prepare their own meals and stay in work. For service users who are deaf, they are issued equipment and assisted technology so they’re able to live independently.

East Renfrewshire Council on behalf of the Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is inviting tenders, from suitably qualified providers for the Provision of a youth counselling service. The purpose of this service is to work with East Renfrewshire HSCP, Education and partners to deliver flexible, high-quality counselling services to children and young people aged 10-18 years living or educated within East Renfrewshire. This procurement will be conducted via the Public Contracts Scotland - Tender portal (PCS-T). We will apply a one stage Open procedure. Bidders must self-certify their adherence to the conditions of participation via the SPD (Scotland) in PSC-T, and may be required to submit Means of Proof before contract award. Bidders must refer to the specific requirements listed in Section III in this OJEU Contract Notice when completing the SPD in PCS-T. The anticipated start date for the contract is early July 2026. The contract is for an initial period of 2 years plus an optional 1-year extension. It should be noted that extensions are available at the discretion of the Council and are not guaranteed. The estimated value shown below is reflective of the full 3 years being offered. This is not guaranteed.

Luton Council is seeking an organisation to co-ordinate the Holiday Activity and Food Programme in Luton, this includes ensuring suitable holiday provision is established for school aged children in line with the DfE guidance, work collaboratively with relevant partners and stakeholders, whilst ensuring provision meets the needs and demands of Luton's families and their children.

Middlesbrough Council is actively seeking to improve the range of services which it commissions to provide Short Breaks and Positive Activities for Children and Young People with disabilities. The Council wishes to promote the welfare needs of Children and Young People and to meet the needs of families with caring responsibilities.

Worcestershire County Council currently commission 12 extra care schemes across Worcestershire in partnership with the Housing Providers. In some schemes, the housing provider and the care provider are separate organisations, while in others, the housing provider also delivers the onsite care. An Extra Care Scheme is designed for individuals, typically aged 55 and over, and it combines independent living with access to 24/7 support and care services. It provides self-contained accommodation and offers additional services such as personal care and domestic assistance tailored to the individual’s needs. The goal is to maintain independence and quality of life by ensuring necessary support is readily available. The model integrates housing management, 24/7 support and care and is key for people to live the most independent and best life they can. There are two specific areas of support: 1. Onsite care for individuals - this is personal care which everyone who lives in the scheme may or may not need. This personal care tends to be the needs assessed by Adult Social Care. 2. Core support – this is for people living within the scheme which is a combination of housing, support and domiciliary care. This core support is available to everyone living within the extra care scheme. It is low level support to help people maintain their tenancy, to access opportunities within the scheme and in the wider local community such as leisure activities, social networking, or lifelong learning. The Council is seeking a supplier to provide the two specific areas of support above at one of its extra care schemes at Gilbert Court.

NHS Lanarkshire Health Board, a statutory body constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (“the Board”) and on behalf of South Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (SL ADP), wishes to procure an organisation, who will work alongside SLADP to ensure young people who are experiencing or putting themselves at risk of problematic substance/alcohol use are offered support to engage and navigate support services.

The London Borough of Newham has established a Pseudo-Dynamic Purchasing System (PDPS) for the supply of services in respect of children's externally commissioned care, accommodation and support services. This notice is for the re-opening of Lot 2 Round 9. The services include: Lot 1: Provision of Semi-Independent Living Services - already established Lot 2: Provision of Children's Homes regulated by Ofsted - already established Lot 3: Provision of Supported Lodgings Lot 4: Provision of Independent Fostering Agencies (IFA) regulated by Ofsted These services will be available to looked after children, care leavers and young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness . Potential Suppliers are invited to Tender for one or more of the Lots. This PDPS is open for use to the following (and subject to Section 3 Scope of Agreement of LAC PDPS Agreement Processor): • any Public Body outlined in either Part I or Part II of the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) (Public Bodies) Order 1972. Details of these can be found at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1972/853/made The Procurement is being procured by the Authority for the benefit of the Authority and the Partner Organisations. The procurement is being conducted in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The procurement is subject to the light-touch regime under Section 7 Social and Other Specific Services. Under Regulation 76 the Council is free to establish a procedure, provided that procedure is sufficient to ensure compliance with the principles of transparency and equal treatment of economic operators (Suppliers). The Authority has created a tender process outlined below, as part of the PDPS applying the award criteria specified in this contract notice. Any interested organisation/consortium with relevant experience may submit a Bid in response to this ITT. The Council is using the one stage procedure for admission onto the PDPS The Light Touch PDPS will be conducted in staged Rounds. Rounds will open and close throughout the lifetime of the PDPS at the Authorities discretion. Following on from this, each Round will be open to new or previously unsuccessful Suppliers to submit their bid. This means that applications can be submitted throughout the duration of the PDPS, but the Council will only process the applications as and when the round is closed. Please note the length of Rounds will vary throughout the lifetime of the PDPS. Further Rounds will be communicated within the tender documents at time of publication. Any changes to the procurement Timetable shall be notified to all Tenderers as soon as practicable.

South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership are proposing to commission a Mental Health Recovery College. Recovery Colleges take an educational approach to mental health and is informed by a combination of recovery, adult education, and community education principles. The aim of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to identify Providers who would be interested in a proposed future Contract opportunity for this requirement.

NHS Lanarkshire Health Board, a statutory body constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (“the Board”) and on behalf of South Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (SLADP), wishes to procure an organisation who, as lead providers, will work alongside South Lanarkshire Alcohol, and Drug Partnership (SLADP) to ensure that individuals including families/loved ones impacted or affected by alcohol or substance use have access to responsive high quality advocacy.

NHS Lanarkshire Health Board, a statutory body constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (“the Board”) and on behalf of South Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (SLADP), wishes to procure an organisation who, as lead providers, will work alongside South Lanarkshire Alcohol, and Drug Partnership (SLADP) to ensure that individuals including families/loved ones impacted or affected by alcohol or substance use have access to responsive high quality advocacy.

Birmingham Virtual School (BVS) seeks to commission an early intervention and prevention Educational Well-Being Service. This service will enrich the educational experiences of children who are looked-after, previously looked-after, or known to social care in Birmingham. The aim is to maximise educational achievement, inclusion and progression by addressing individual needs with specific focus on: (1) preparing for and taking public examinations and tests; and (2) supporting vulnerable children through normal admissions round school-to-school transitions. The service will deliver programmes and direct support that: • Prepare and support children and young people to revise for and sit national examinations/tests (e.g., SATs, GCSEs, A-Levels, and equivalent). • Support confident school transitions at key stages (Pre-1 to Reception, Reception to Year 1, Infant to Junior, Year 6 to Year 7, Year 8 to Year 9, Year 11 to Post-16, Year 13 to Year 14 or Higher Education/employment/training). The contract is estimated to commence on 2nd January 2027 and will be in place for a period of 3 years with the option to extend for a further 1 year subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. This is a retender, the previous notice reference is ocds-h6vhtk-05d566

Flexible Framework Agreement for Supported Living and Personal Care for Adults with Learning Disabilities (1st Reopening)

The Council is seeking to commission a preventative, community-enabled money education and early intervention model to be delivered by the Voluntary, Community, Faith, Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. The model will focus on financial education and resilience, money confidence, and early identification of financial risk, supporting residents before problems escalate into unmanageable debt or crisis, and before statutory or specialist debt advice models (e.g. Citizens Advice) are required. The Council recognises that VCFSE organisations are well placed to deliver trusted, accessible and culturally appropriate education within communities and wishes to commission a model that aligns with our neighbourhood networks, is embedded locally, partnership-led, and prevention-focused. The Council is taking account of PPN 005: Reserving below threshold procurement; this tender is reserved for VCSEs and SMEs within the Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

Adult Social Care commission the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) to deliver our Community Wellbeing & Prevention Services. The Care Act (2014) emphasises wellbeing, prevention, and person centred care, utilising the VCS supports Wokingham to meet these statutory duties within Wokingham. The Care Act formally recognises the voluntary sector as a key partner in delivering adult social care, especially in prevention, wellbeing, and community support. The commissioned services are key to the delivery of the ASC strategy, to prevent, reduce, or delay the need for care and support.

YPO is establishing a procurement solution to enable Contracting Authorities to commission Children’s and Young People’s Residential Homes delivered within a family‑style setting. The solution will allow Authorities to secure exclusive use of an entire Children’s Home, rather than purchasing individual placements dispersed across a region. The framework is designed to support strategic commissioning approaches that improve outcomes for children, strengthen sufficiency and market shaping, and deliver improved value for money. The model aligns with regional ambitions, including the development of Regional Care Cooperatives, and will facilitate call‑offs at both regional and local levels. The procurement aims to foster long‑term, collaborative relationships between Commissioners and Providers. It seeks to address the differing perspectives, risks, and challenges that influence the delivery of high‑quality homes for Children and Young People. The objective is to secure local, stable, and supportive homes that are embedded within a wider system of wrap‑around provision, enabling improved long‑term outcomes. This represents a shift away from the traditional purchase of individual placements through spot purchasing or standard frameworks. Instead, the framework focuses on commissioning whole homes, ensuring that the home, its staff, and the children living there are supported by coordinated local services. Contracting Authorities will be able to undertake a Competitive Selection Process at call‑off stage, based on their specific requirements. YPO intends to award an open 8‑year Framework Agreement, which will allow new Providers to join throughout its duration, supporting flexibility, market development, and ongoing sufficiency planning.

Durham County Council (the Council) are seeking submissions from suitably experienced and skilled organisations to provide the specified services for the Health, Wellbeing and Night Hub. This includes the Safe Night Hub, Integrated Support Hub and dispersed properties. The main service should be based in one premises which is able to deliver the wrap around support required. The contract will also include the provision of 10 dispersed supported accommodation properties to be used as a step down pathway from the Night Hub. The Health, Wellbeing and Night Hub aims to deliver a preventative, integrated response for adults at risk of homelessness, rough sleeping, or poor health outcomes, particularly those discharged from hospital or unable to safely return to accommodation. The service aims to: •Prevent discharge to the street for eligible adults •Provide immediate, short-term step-down support following hospital discharge •Identify housing needs early and support move-on solutions •Support access to appropriate services such as Housing and homelessness services, Welfare benefits and financial support.GP registration and health appointments (not exhaustive) •Reduce rough sleeping and repeat homelessness •Improve service user engagement with statutory and voluntary services Further details of the requirements are set out in Document 3A Specification which can be accessed free of charge at www.open-uk.org. Permitted Changes to Contract: *Funding for these services is reliant upon the continued availability of funds from both the Council's core budget and The Homeless Prevention Funding. Funding amounts and sources are uncertain over the contract term and therefore DCC may need to invoke either contract modifications or termination as permitted under the relevant sections of the contract terms and conditions. At the Council's discretion, should the Council acquire further funding, including from different sources, additional services may be required and may slightly differ to that detailed in the Specification but will fall under the remit of the Health, Wellbeing and Night Hub service. The Council reserves the right to apply inflationary uplifts to the contract value at its sole discretion and will be based upon the availability of funding and commissioning priorities. The Council reserves the right to modify the service specification if new legislation and/or guidance regarding the delivery of this service is published by the Government. If a successful bidder's contract is terminated, either at the Council's or the provider's discretion, the council has the discretion to approach one or all of the other successful bidders to offer them the opportunity to deliver the Health, Wellbeing and Night Hub service OR go to market for a new supplier.