Disability Support Service

The University of Salford is inviting tenders for the provision of a range of disability support services designed to help students and apprentices with additional needs access and engage with higher education.

The procurement covers eight service lots, ranging from educational psychology assessments and non-medical helper support to specialist mentoring, study skills, neurodiversity screening and disability needs assessments. The services are intended to support students throughout their academic journey while promoting independence, wellbeing and equal access to learning.

Service Overview

The opportunity is divided into eight lots:

Lot 1 – Educational Psychology Assessments

Educational psychology assessments to identify and diagnose specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia, using evidence-based assessment methods.

Lot 2 – Band 1 and 2 Non-Medical Helper Support

Support workers providing assistance during taught sessions, including note-taking, practical support and anxiety management where appropriate.

Lot 3 – Band 4 Non-Medical Helper Support, Specialist Study Skills and Specialist Mentor Support

One-to-one support outside taught sessions to help students develop academic skills, confidence, independence and wellbeing.

Lot 4 – Specialist D/deaf Support

Specialist support for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, including British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, specialist note-taking and communication support.

Lot 5 – Specialist Visual Impairment Support

Support for visually impaired students, including sighted guide services, mobility training and orientation support.

Lot 6 – Specialist Study Skills and Specialist Mentor Support for Apprentices

Individual support to help apprentices manage academic study, workplace learning and wider apprenticeship requirements.

Lot 7 – Neurodiversity Screening Assessments for Apprentices

Assessments to identify indicators of neurodivergence and inform support planning and reasonable adjustments.

Lot 8 – Needs Assessments for Apprenticeship Students

Assessments identifying disability-related support requirements and recommendations for reasonable adjustments across academic and workplace settings.

The opportunity is suitable for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Contract Information

Buyer: University of Salford

Deadline: 1 September 2026 – 12:00pm

Contract Value: £2,730,996 (including VAT)

Delivery Length: 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2029, with the option to extend by up to two additional one-year periods, giving a maximum contract term of five years.

Tender Link: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/salford/aspx/Home

Evaluation Criteria

Tenders will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Technical – 60%
• Commercial – 20%
• Sustainability – 10%
• Community Benefits – 10%

Procurement Information

The procurement will be conducted using an Open Procedure.

Electronic tender submissions are required and must be submitted in English through the University of Salford’s procurement portal.

The opportunity provides specialist organisations with the chance to deliver a broad range of disability support services that enable students and apprentices with additional needs to access learning, develop independence and succeed throughout their studies.

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