Shared Lives Incentive Referral Programme Framework

Sheffield City Council is seeking providers for an incentive-based referral programme designed to support the recruitment of additional Shared Lives Carers through Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs).

The three-year commission is intended to widen the potential pool of applicants entering the Council’s Shared Lives recruitment pathway and help meet growing demand for community-based care through the recruitment of additional Shared Lives households.

Under the programme, providers will be expected to identify and refer suitable applicants while delivering a consistent and high-quality information and triage process before individuals are referred into the Shared Lives recruitment pathway.

Service Objectives

Sheffield City Council has identified a number of objectives for the programme, including:

• Increasing the number of suitable applicants referred into the Shared Lives recruitment pathway
• Improving the quality of Shared Lives applications
• Supporting the Shared Lives service to meet growing demand for community-based care by recruiting additional Shared Lives households
• Providing a consistent and high-quality information and triage process before referral

The Council states that the programme supports its wider strategic priorities around independence, community connection and cost-effective adult social care.

Contract Information

• Buyer: Sheffield City Council
• Deadline: 11 September 2026, 12:00pm
• Contract Value: £73,500 excluding VAT / £88,200 including VAT
• Delivery Length: 3 years, from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2029
• Tender Link: Click here

The enquiry deadline is also 11 September 2026 at 12:00pm.

The procurement is being conducted as a below-threshold open competition under the Light Touch regime.

Evaluation Criteria

Tenders will be assessed on the basis of the Most Advantageous Tender, taking both quality and price into account.

Quality assessment will consider the bidder’s:

• Approach to identifying and referring suitable Shared Lives applicants
• Understanding of the Shared Lives model
• Referral and quality assurance processes
• Safeguarding arrangements
• Ability to deliver the required outcomes

Price will be assessed against the submitted pricing schedule.

Specific percentage weightings for quality and price have not been disclosed.

The opportunity provides a three-year route for organisations capable of supporting Shared Lives recruitment to help Sheffield City Council expand its pool of potential carers and increase the availability of community-based adult social care arrangements.

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