Integrated Domestic Abuse Refuge and Outreach Service for Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council is seeking a provider to deliver an Integrated Domestic Abuse Refuge and Outreach Service for Portsmouth.

The procurement is being undertaken by the Council on behalf of itself and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and relates to the re-tendering of an existing domestic abuse service currently delivered within Portsmouth.

According to the procurement documents, the new service will deliver two core elements of domestic abuse support:

• Refuge Support
• Community-Based (Floating) Support

Together, these services are intended to provide a coordinated response for victims of domestic abuse, their children and, where appropriate, perpetrators.

The Council states that the service will provide client-led practical and emotional support to high-risk and medium-risk victims of domestic abuse, helping individuals build the confidence and skills required to move forward and rebuild their lives. The service will also provide support for children affected by domestic abuse, including individual and group-based support where appropriate.

Refuge support will be delivered from Council-owned properties. The contract relates solely to the delivery of support services within refuge accommodation and does not include responsibility for property management or maintenance.

Community-based support will be delivered on a floating support basis, providing outreach-style support tailored to individual circumstances, risk and need.

Contract Information

Buyer: Portsmouth City Council

Deadline: 31 July 2026, 12:00pm

Enquiry Deadline: 17 July 2026, 11:59pm

Contract Value: £5,400,000

Delivery Length: 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2030, with extension options up to a maximum contract term ending 31 March 2033

Tender Link: Click here

Service Overview

The service will deliver:

Refuge Support

Support services for victims of domestic abuse and their children living within refuge accommodation provided through Council-owned properties.

Community-Based (Floating) Support

Flexible outreach support delivered within the community to victims of domestic abuse and families, based on individual need and risk.

The Council has stated that the service will support:

• High-risk victims of domestic abuse
• Medium-risk victims of domestic abuse
• Children affected by domestic abuse
• Perpetrators, where appropriate

Funding Arrangements

The procurement documents state that the initial three-year contract is valued at £900,000 per annum.

The Council’s contribution of £657,600 per annum is confirmed for the full initial contract term.

Funding from the Hampshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is currently confirmed for one year, with continuation subject to approval. The Council reserves the right to vary the contract should future funding levels change.

The total contract value is capped and bids submitted above the available budget will not be considered.

Evaluation Criteria

The procurement will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Quality – 95%
• Price – 5%

Participation Requirements

The opportunity is identified as being suitable for:

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

Legal, financial and technical participation requirements are detailed within the procurement documentation.

Procurement Process

The opportunity is being procured through an Open Procedure.

Portsmouth City Council has published an indicative procurement timetable, with contract award expected in October 2026 and service commencement scheduled for 1 April 2027.

The Council has also highlighted the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation, noting that contractual provisions may allow assignment of the contract to successor authorities should governance arrangements change during the contract term.

This opportunity represents a significant domestic abuse support contract within Portsmouth, covering both refuge-based and community-based provision. The procurement seeks a single provider capable of delivering coordinated support services for victims of domestic abuse and their children, while maintaining consistent service delivery across the city.

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