Tender for the provision of General Management and Staffing for the Winter Shelter Provision

Herefordshire Council is seeking an experienced provider to manage and staff a Winter Shelter Service for adults experiencing rough sleeping in Hereford, with an estimated contract value of up to £360,000 excluding VAT across the full potential term.

The service forms part of the Council’s statutory homelessness prevention and relief duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and supports the Herefordshire Homeless Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031.

The successful provider will take responsibility for the operational management of emergency accommodation supplied by the Council. The provision will offer dormitory-style accommodation for up to 16 people alongside two additional single-person pods, providing an immediate route off the streets during the winter period.

Key Service Requirements

The provider will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Winter Shelter Service, including:

• Resident check-in and check-out
• Overnight waking cover
• Welfare monitoring
• Risk management
• Safeguarding
• Property security
• General day-to-day service delivery

Herefordshire Council is seeking a provider with demonstrable experience of working with people experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage, including individuals affected by trauma, mental health needs, substance misuse and other complex support requirements.

The service must be delivered through a safe, trauma-informed and person-centred approach.

The opportunity is identified as particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

Contract Information

Buyer: Herefordshire Council

Deadline: 21 September 2026 at 12:00

Enquiry Deadline: 14 September 2026 at 17:00

Contract Value: Up to £360,000 excluding VAT (£432,000 including VAT), with a maximum budget of £90,000 per winter delivery period

Delivery Length: Initial delivery from 2 November 2026 to 29 April 2027, with options for up to three further winter delivery periods and a maximum potential end date of 29 April 2030

Contract Location: Herefordshire

CPV Classification: 85311000 – Social work services with accommodation

Tender Link: Click here

Any extension will apply to seasonal delivery between November and April rather than year-round provision. Extensions are subject to funding availability, governance and budget approval, demand for the service and satisfactory provider performance.

Evaluation Criteria

Tenders will be evaluated using the following weighting:

• Price – 30%
• Service Delivery – 25%
• Experience – 19%
• Managing Risk – 14%
• Social Value – 12%

The estimated award decision date is 15 October 2026.

Provider Requirements

Full legal, financial and technical conditions of participation are contained within the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) and associated procurement documents.

Based on the published service requirement, providers will need demonstrable experience supporting people experiencing homelessness, multiple disadvantage, trauma, mental health needs, substance misuse and other complex needs.

Procurement Procedure

The procurement is being conducted through an open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023.

Tenders must be submitted electronically through the ProContract e-tendering portal. Clarification questions and procurement correspondence must also be submitted through the portal’s messaging facility, with alternative submission methods not accepted.

Contract Risks

The Council has identified several factors that could affect future delivery or result in contract modification. These include planning approvals for the winter shelter not being granted beyond April 2027, external funding not being secured for subsequent winter periods and significant changes in demand affecting service utilisation and resource requirements.

Any resulting contract modification will be subject to the Procurement Act 2023 and the terms of the contract.

The opportunity provides a multi-year seasonal commissioning route for homelessness and support organisations capable of operating emergency accommodation for people sleeping rough. With capacity for up to 18 individuals and a strong focus on safe, trauma-informed delivery, the service will form part of Herefordshire’s wider approach to homelessness prevention and rough sleeping.

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