Essex County Council Awards Staying Close Service Contract to The Children’s Society

Essex County Council has awarded a contract for the delivery of its Staying Close programme to THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY (SERVICES) LIMITED.

The service will provide specialist intensive coaching for children in care and care leavers, primarily aged 16–25, who present with complex needs, placement instability and heightened risks.

Through a relationship-based, trauma-informed approach, the programme will offer practical support of up to 25 hours per week for a period of up to 18 months. The service is designed to improve stability, safety, resilience and long-term outcomes by working closely with young people, their families, carers, social workers, placement providers and other relevant agencies.

The appointed provider will recruit, manage and supervise skilled coaches delivering personalised, strengths-based interventions aimed at reducing risk, improving emotional wellbeing, strengthening family and social relationships, supporting participation in education, employment and training, and helping young people transition successfully into adulthood. The service will also support young people to step down from higher-cost care placements, return home where appropriate, or achieve greater stability within their existing placements.

The contract has a value of £445,493 including VAT and is scheduled to run from 23 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

Procurement

The contract was awarded through a below threshold procedure without competition under the Light Touch regime.

Key Facts

• Buyer: Essex County Council
• Supplier: THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY (SERVICES) LIMITED
• Contract: Staying Close
• Contract Value: £445,493 including VAT
• Contract Term: 23 July 2026 to 30 June 2027
• Procedure: Below threshold – without competition (Light Touch regime)
• Award Type: Direct award
• Earliest Contract Signature Date: 23 July 2026

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