A multi-lot framework agreement is being established to support NHS organizations and public sector bodies in commissioning community-based services that address health inequalities and improve access to support, focusing on prevention, community-led initiatives, and enhancing the voice of marginalized groups.
Prior Notice Published: UK-0339 The East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub intends to establish a multi-lot framework agreement to support the commissioning of services that address health inequalities and the wider determinants of health. The framework will offer a compliant, structured route for NHS organisations, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), local authorities, and other public sector bodies to procure community-based services. It is designed to strengthen collaboration with VCSEs, SMEs, and specialist providers, with the aim of improving early access to support and reducing pressure on acute services. The framework focuses on three core themes: Voice & Influence: Enabling people and communities to shape services, exercise choice, and be active participants in decision-making. Community-Led Services for Social Impact: Supporting services led by local organisations and people, with a focus on addressing needs identified by the community. Prevention & Cessation: Commissioning services that focus on prevention, early intervention, and supporting people to make positive changes, reducing demand for crisis or acute care. Services may include, but are not limited to, support with mental health, housing, employment, financial inclusion, domestic abuse, and wider prevention services. The framework will be open to all eligible providers across the UK and will operate as an open framework under the Procurement Act 2023. You can download the Social Impact Tenderer Handbook here: http://bit.ly/44Bow0R Voice, Influence and Representation Services Supports marginalised or underrepresented groups to influence local decisions. Builds skills, facilitates forums, and ensures views are heard and acted upon. VCSE System Leadership & Infrastructure Representation Coordinates and represents the VCSE sector within systems like ICBs. Advises on sector priorities, connects VCSEs and public bodies, and influences policy. Children and Young People Services Delivers early help, targeted support, and activities for children, young people, and families facing disadvantage or complex needs. Domestic Abuse and Violence Support Services Provides trauma-informed support, safety planning, refuge, outreach, and specialist help for people affected by domestic abuse. Employment Support and Skills for People Facing Barriers Supports those facing social, economic, or personal barriers into employment or training. Offers tailored advice, skills, and work placements. Green Health and Wellbeing Services Offers nature-based, non-clinical activities such as gardening, outdoor groups, and green social prescribing to boost wellbeing. Financial and Digital Inclusion Services Provides advice on benefits, debt, budgeting, and digital skills to reduce inequality and prevent hardship or exclusion. Food Security and Access Services Ensures short-term food security through immediate access to nutritious food through hubs and emergency support, as well as longer-term solutions such as developing cooking skills, and facilitating community food projects. Housing Stability, Homelessness Prevention, and Crisis Support Services Supports people at risk of homelessness to access safe housing, prevent crisis, and build long-term stability. Inclusion Health and Refugee/Migrant Wellbeing Services Tailors support for people facing severe social exclusion, including refugees, migrants, and those not registered with statutory services. Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Services Delivers community-based mental health and wellbeing support for people at risk of poor outcomes or facing barriers. Physical Health and Wellbeing Services Provides preventative and supportive physical health services, self-management support, and outreach for those with long-term conditions. Offender Rehabilitation and Criminal Justice Support Supports people in or leaving the criminal justice system to rebuild their lives through resettlement, skills, and wellbeing support. Post-16 Special Education and Life Skills Support for Young People with SEND Helps young people aged 16–25 with SEND build skills, confidence, and independence as they transition to adulthood. Social and Community Cohesion Services Activities that build stronger, more connected communities with the aim of reducing isolation and loneliness, improving community wellbeing, and fostering a sense of belonging among people from different backgrounds Supported Living Services Enables people with additional needs to live independently through accommodation and practical support. Mobile Outreach and Community Access Services Delivers support to people in their homes or communities, especially those unable to access mainstream services. Carer Support and Respite Services Supports unpaid carers by promoting their wellbeing, reducing isolation and stress, and helping them sustain their caring role with access to advice, support, and respite. Learning Disability and Autism Support Services Offers flexible, person-led support for people with learning disabilities or autism to improve life skills, health, and inclusion. Tobacco Dependence Prevention and Treatment Services Delivers evidence-based support to help people quit smoking, including targeted interventions for high-risk groups. Weight Management and Obesity Prevention Services Provides behaviour change support, group programmes, and outreach to help individuals and families achieve a healthy weight. Alcohol Harm Reduction Services Offers community-based harm reduction, interventions, and support for people affected by alcohol. Respiratory Health Improvement and Prevention Services Supports prevention, early identification, and self-management of respiratory conditions, and addresses environmental risks.