Forensic Care and Support

West Lothian Council is seeking a provider to deliver specialist Forensic Care and Support services for adults with complex needs who are involved with the criminal justice system. The contract will provide person-centred, community-based support aimed at promoting recovery, reducing the risk of offending or reoffending, and enabling individuals to live safely and independently within their communities.

The service is intended for adults presenting with complex physical health needs, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, substance use issues, behavioural support needs and those subject to legal or criminal justice measures, including individuals managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) and those transitioning from prison, secure care or other restricted settings.

Providers will be expected to work collaboratively with health services, social work, housing, criminal justice services and other statutory partners to develop personalised support plans. The service will focus on recovery, rehabilitation, risk management and social inclusion while supporting individuals to engage with relevant services, reduce avoidable hospital admissions or institutional care, and improve health, wellbeing and independence.

The Council has confirmed that this contract is being commissioned as a test of change to evaluate a revised service model. Findings from the contract will inform future commissioning decisions, although the award does not imply any commitment to extend, renew or procure future services on the same basis.

Contract Information

Buyer – West Lothian Council

Deadline – 24 July 2026 – 12:00pm

Contract Value – £1,200,000 excluding VAT

Delivery Length – 12 months with the option to extend by up to a further 12 months at the Council’s discretion.

Tender Link – Click here

Care Inspectorate Requirements

Tenderers must:

• Hold dual registration with the Care Inspectorate as both a Care at Home Service and a Housing Support Service at the date of tender submission.
• Hold Care Inspectorate inspection grades of 3 (Adequate) or above for each registered service.
• Ensure all staff providing regulated care and support are registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), where required by legislation, or will be registered within the statutory timescales.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must provide two examples from the last five years demonstrating experience of delivering community-based forensic support services. The examples must evidence work with individuals involved in the criminal justice system and demonstrate effective risk management, partnership working, rehabilitation, recovery and successful reintegration into the community. Responses will be assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Tenderers must also meet the financial, insurance and professional requirements detailed within the procurement documentation.

This procurement reflects West Lothian Council’s commitment to developing specialist community-based forensic support services for adults with complex needs, with a focus on rehabilitation, public protection, recovery and reducing reoffending through personalised, multi-agency support.

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