Foundations for Change Framework – Supporting Adults Aged 18–65 Years with Additional Support Needs

West Dunbartonshire Council, on behalf of West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, is seeking providers to join its Foundations for Change Framework for the delivery of community-based support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with additional support needs.

The Open Flexible Framework is designed to support adults with a range of needs through Self Directed Support (SDS) Options 2 and 3. Services will adopt an outcomes-focused, person-centred approach to maximise independence, improve quality of life and enable individuals to live the lives they choose within their communities. The framework will remain open throughout its lifetime, allowing new providers to apply during its operation.

Service Overview

The framework has been divided into eight lots:

• Lot 1 – Learning Disability
• Lot 2 – Autism
• Lot 3 – Complex Needs
• Lot 4 – Physical Disability
• Lot 5 – Cognitive Impairment (including Acquired Brain Injury)
• Lot 6 – Sensory Impairment
• Lot 7 – Mental Health (including Severe and Enduring Conditions)
• Lot 8 – All Lots 1 to 7

Across the relevant lots, services may include:

• Personal care
• Support with daily living
• Community participation
• Promoting independence
• Maintaining tenancies
• Supporting positive outcomes identified through the My Life Assessment process

Lots covering complex needs and mental health may also include support with complex health and behavioural support needs and preventing hospital admission where applicable.

Providers may apply for one or more lots.

Contract Information

Buyer: West Dunbartonshire Council

Deadline: 18 September 2026 – 12:00pm

Contract Value: £23,690,000 (excluding VAT)

Delivery Length: Initial framework term of 60 months with the option to extend for up to a further 24 months.

Tender Link: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated using:

• Quality – 80%
• Price – 20%

Regulatory Requirements

Successful providers must:

• Be registered as a Care at Home Service with the Care Inspectorate, or be capable of obtaining registration before service delivery begins.
• Maintain Care Inspectorate registration throughout the framework.
• Ensure employees are registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) where required.
• Maintain a minimum Care Inspectorate inspection score of 3 (Adequate) across all inspected key questions.
• Comply with all relevant legislative, regulatory and professional requirements.

Framework Information

The procurement is being conducted using an Open Procedure and will establish a framework agreement with several operators.

The framework will remain open to new entrants throughout its duration, subject to providers meeting the published selection and award criteria.

Community benefits form part of the procurement, with successful providers expected to deliver outcomes proportionate to the value and nature of services awarded. These may include employability opportunities, training, volunteering activity and support for local communities.

The opportunity provides community support providers with the chance to deliver person-centred services supporting adults with a wide range of additional support needs across West Dunbartonshire.

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