Adoption Support Services

The Members of Adoption Counts, through STAR Procurement, are seeking providers to join an Open Framework for the delivery of specialist adoption support services. The framework will provide access to therapeutic assessments and interventions for adoptive families, children and individuals, with services potentially funded through the Adoption Support Fund or other funding sources.

The framework is being established on behalf of Cheshire East Council, Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, Trafford Council and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.

Service Overview

The Open Framework has been divided into two lots:

Lot 1 – Specialist Assessment

This lot covers specialist assessments of families, individuals or children where a higher level of professional expertise is required than can be provided within Adoption Counts’ own resources.

Assessments must:

• Be undertaken by appropriately qualified professionals from recognised professional bodies.
• Be led and delivered by the qualified professional carrying out the assessment.
• Result in a therapeutic plan for the child or family.

Lot 2 – Therapeutic Support

This lot covers the delivery of therapeutic interventions identified following an assessment.

Providers delivering therapeutic support must hold the relevant professional qualifications from a recognised body.

Services may be funded through the Adoption Support Fund or other funding sources.

Framework Information

The procurement will establish an Open Framework that will remain open until 13 November 2034.

The framework will:

• Have an unlimited number of suppliers.
• Charge no supplier framework fee.
• Allow contracts to be awarded either through further competition or direct award.

The framework is suitable for:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs)

Contract Information

Buyer: Adoption Counts (through STAR Procurement) on behalf of Cheshire East Council, Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, Trafford Council and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council

Deadline: 31 August 2026 – 12:00pm

Contract Value: £12,012,488 excluding VAT (£14,414,985.60 including VAT)

Delivery Length: 14 November 2026 to 13 November 2034

Tender Link: https://www.the-chest.org.uk/

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed using:

• Quality Assessment (Quality Questions) – 100%

The framework will operate using quality assessment only, with additional information provided within the tender documentation.

Procurement Information

The procurement will be conducted using an Open Procedure under the Light Touch Regime.

Electronic tender submissions are required and must be submitted in English via The Chest procurement portal.

This opportunity provides specialist assessment and therapeutic support providers with the opportunity to join a long-term framework supporting adopted children, families and individuals across the Adoption Counts partnership.

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