Dorset Keyworker Service (BCP Place)

NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board is seeking a sole provider to deliver the Dorset Keyworker Service across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area.

The service will provide targeted support for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with a diagnosed learning disability and/or autism who are in a mental health hospital or considered at risk of hospital admission.

Keyworkers will provide a consistent point of contact for children and young people and their families, helping them navigate services, access appropriate support and reduce the risk of avoidable admission to mental health inpatient settings.

Service Requirements

The service will support children and young people who:

• Are aged 0 to 25
• Are registered with a Dorset GP or fall under the commissioning responsibility of NHS Dorset
• Live within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council area
• Have a diagnosed learning disability and/or autism

Eligible individuals must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be rated red or amber as at risk of hospital admission on the Dynamic Support Register (DSR)
• Be an inpatient in a mental health hospital
• Be in an acute hospital due to a mental health crisis

The service will operate across the BCP area, with interventions delivered within the communities where children, young people and their families live, attend school or work. Support may also be provided within family homes.

Service Objectives

The commissioned service is intended to:

• Prevent crises and reduce demand on specialist services
• Reduce avoidable inpatient care and the use of restrictive approaches or settings
• Provide a consistent point of contact for children and young people and their families
• Help ensure reasonable adjustments are made so neurodiverse people and those with a learning disability can access the support they require
• Provide signposting, information and advice
• Advocate for children and young people and ensure their voices are heard

Contract Information

• Buyer: NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board
• Deadline: 10 September 2026, 5:00pm
• Contract Value: £268,333 excluding VAT for the initial term
• Delivery Length: 1 February 2027 to 31 March 2028, with an optional 12-month extension from 1 April 2028
• Tender Link: Click here

The annual contract value is stated as £230,000. The initial 14-month term is valued at £268,333, with the potential 12-month extension also based on an annual value of £230,000.

Providers should search Atamis for “Dorset Keyworker Service (BCP Place)- PSR Competitive Tender”, project reference C463709.

Tender submissions must include the Supplier Governance Assurance Questionnaire, Supplier Response Document and Conflict of Interest Form.

Evaluation Criteria

The contract will be awarded to the highest-scoring provider based on the most advantageous offer, using the following criteria:

• Quality and Innovation – 83%
• Social Value – 10%
• Price – 7%

Key Participation Requirements will be assessed on a Pass/Fail basis. A “No” response against any Key Participation Requirement will result in the submission being treated as non-compliant and receiving no further evaluation.

Quality and Social Value responses will be scored from 0 to 5.

Procurement Procedure

The procurement is being conducted through an Open procedure under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR).

The award is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. The notice confirms that the Procurement Act 2023 Regulations do not apply to the award.

Variants will not be accepted, and bidders will be required to maintain their tenders for six months from the submission deadline.

Regulatory and Compliance Requirements

Bidders will be required to complete a Supplier Governance Assurance Questionnaire as part of the Invitation to Tender documentation.

Further economic, financial, technical and professional selection requirements are contained within the procurement documents.

The opportunity provides a commissioning route for organisations experienced in supporting children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism who are at risk of mental health hospital admission. The service will focus on early intervention, advocacy and coordinated community-based support to help prevent crises and reduce reliance on inpatient and restrictive settings.

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