Short Breaks Services Framework (CSC25128)

Worcestershire County Council is seeking qualified and experienced providers to join its open framework for short breaks services supporting children with disabilities.

The framework is intended to help the Council meet its Sufficiency Duty while increasing access to appropriate short breaks at the right time and location. Services are expected to support improved outcomes for children, promote their welfare and ensure appropriate safeguarding.

The arrangement operates as an open framework, establishing a list of approved suppliers from which individual services can subsequently be commissioned through call-off award procedures.

There is no limit on the number of suppliers that can be admitted to the framework.

Lots Available

The framework is divided into four service lots:

• Lot 1 – Overnight Fostering Short Breaks
• Lot 2 – Overnight Residential Short Breaks
• Lot 3 – Domiciliary Care
• Lot 4 – Short Breaks Support Workers

Lots 1 and 2 initially formed the new open framework commencing on 1st November 2026 and have reopened for new applications.

Lots 3 and 4 will continue under the existing Dynamic Purchasing System until 28th February 2027 before moving onto the open framework from 1st March 2027.

The Council has confirmed that all four lots will reopen at least annually during the autumn, providing further opportunities for suitable providers to apply.

Contract Information

Buyer: Worcestershire County Council

Deadline: Not disclosed

Contract Value: Not disclosed

Delivery Length: Not disclosed

Tender Link: Available through the Council’s procurement portal by selecting “Express Interest”

Reference: WCC 00006099

Providers wishing to apply must first express an interest through the procurement portal. Applicants are then required to complete the Procurement Specific Questionnaire and upload the relevant supporting documentation before submitting their return.

Call-Off Arrangements

Admission to the framework establishes providers as approved suppliers but does not itself represent an award of individual packages of work.

The Council will undertake call-off award procedures under the framework, through which individual call-off contracts can subsequently be awarded.

The number of suppliers able to join the framework is not restricted.

The information supplied does not specify evaluation weightings or detailed assessment criteria. Providers should refer to the Procurement Specific Questionnaire and associated procurement documentation for the applicable requirements.

Service Outcomes

Through the framework, Worcestershire County Council is seeking to improve the availability and suitability of short breaks for children with disabilities.

Services are intended to ensure children receive appropriate care that meets their individual needs, are supported to improve their personal outcomes and have their welfare promoted while being effectively safeguarded.

The opportunity provides a route for fostering, residential short breaks, domiciliary care and support worker providers to participate in Worcestershire’s commissioning arrangements for children with disabilities, with the open framework model providing recurring opportunities for new suppliers to apply.

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