Enhanced Care Framework

Sheffield City Council is establishing a new Enhanced Care Framework for people aged 16 and over with learning disabilities and/or autism who display behaviours that challenge, including those with a mental health condition.

The framework will provide a range of enhanced care, accommodation and support services designed to improve choice, quality and independence. It has been procured as an open framework, allowing new providers to join at set intervals during its eight-year lifespan.

The Council has confirmed that the framework forms part of its move towards outcomes-based commissioning, placing greater emphasis on the outcomes achieved for individuals rather than how services are delivered. Individuals and their advocates will play a more central role in evaluating whether services are meeting agreed outcomes.

Lots Available

The framework has been divided into six service lots:

Lot 1 – Enhanced Supported Living

• Support linked with accommodation.
• Community care and support.

Lot 2 – Severe Multiple Disadvantage

For people whose primary diagnosis is a learning disability and/or autism and who may also experience complex needs including mental health conditions, acquired brain injury, histories of trauma, substance use, offending behaviour, homelessness or exploitation. The Council advises that CQC registration is preferable but not mandatory for this lot.

Lot 3 – Enhanced Care and Nursing Homes

Replacing specialist spot contracts for residential and nursing care placements in Sheffield for people with learning disabilities, autism and/or mental health conditions. The framework includes:

• Residential care without nursing.
• Nursing care.

The lot also covers young people transitioning from children’s services, hospital discharges, urgent placements and people whose needs have changed.

Lot 4 – Enhanced Planned Overnight Short Breaks

Providing planned overnight short breaks for people with complex physical, learning or nursing needs. Providers delivering accommodation-based services under this lot must hold the appropriate residential or nursing home CQC registration.

Lot 5 – Enhanced Emergency Overnight Short Breaks

Providing emergency short-break accommodation for people experiencing care breakdown, crisis or requiring urgent support, with the aim of stabilising individuals and supporting transition to longer-term care.

Lot 6 – Crisis / Bridging Care

Providing rapid-response support that can be mobilised within hours where required. Services may be delivered in an individual’s own home or temporary accommodation and must include highly skilled support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Providers must be CQC registered with the appropriate service specialisms.

Contract Information

Buyer: Sheffield City Council

Deadline: 7 August 2026, 12:00pm

Contract Value: £143,000,000 excluding VAT

Delivery Length: Initial framework period from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2030, operating within an open framework lasting until 31 January 2035

Tender Link: Click here

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on:

• Quality (Method Statement Questions) – 100%

Framework Information

The framework will operate as an open framework with an unlimited number of suppliers.

The Council intends to reopen the framework after the initial three years, with a further reopening after the following three years, enabling additional providers to join during the framework’s maximum eight-year duration.

The opportunity has been identified as particularly suitable for:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs)

The opportunity represents a significant investment in specialist accommodation, care and support services, helping Sheffield City Council develop more flexible, outcomes-focused provision for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex support needs across the city.

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