Learning Disabilities, Autism, Mental Health Specialist Care and Support at Home Framework

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has launched a Light Touch Flexible Framework for providers delivering specialist care and support services for adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs. The framework is designed to support the Council’s vision of helping people live fulfilling lives in ways they choose while promoting person-centred, flexible and outcomes-focused care.

According to the Council, the framework moves away from traditional time and task models of care and instead focuses on supporting people to achieve their individual strengths, aspirations and desired outcomes within their own communities.

Service Lots

The framework is divided into six service lots:

• Lot 1: Specialist Care and Support at Home
• Lot 2: Housing Related Support Services
• Lot 3: Supported Living (Regulated) Services
• Lot 4: Supported Living (Unregulated) Services
• Lot 5: Specialist Supported Living Services
• Lot 6: Individual Service Funds

An unlimited number of suppliers may be admitted to the framework, with each lot covering a different service type.

The framework will operate as a Light Touch Flexible Framework, with contracts awarded either through further competition or without competition, depending on the requirements of individual procurements. The framework is available only to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

Contract Information

Buyer: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Deadline: 1 September 2026, 2:00pm

Contract Value: £229,114,800 (estimated)

Delivery Length: 4 January 2027 to 3 January 2034, with the option to extend until 3 January 2036 through two 12-month extensions

Tender Link: Click here

Evaluation Criteria

Tenders will be evaluated using:

• Quality – 90%
• Price – 10%

Participation Requirements

Legal and financial capacity requirements, together with technical ability requirements, are detailed within the Invitation to Tender documentation.

The opportunity is identified as being particularly suitable for:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs)

Procurement Procedure

The procurement is being conducted using a Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Light Touch regime.

The framework represents a significant long-term commissioning opportunity for organisations delivering specialist community-based care, supported living, housing-related support and individual service funds for adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Never Miss a Care Sector Opportunity

From contract opportunities and framework launches to sector news and procurement updates, The Daily Round delivers daily insights designed for care providers, suppliers, and sector leaders.

Sign up to The Daily Round Daily Bulletin to receive the latest opportunities and healthcare procurement news directly to your inbox.

If you want to advertise your opportunity, please contact Jamie Peacock, Tender Specialist at advertising@dailyround.news