Supported Living Support Services for People with Learning Disabilities or Mental Health Needs Framework
Contract Value:
GBP 289M -
Notice Type:
Contract Notice
Published Date:
12 May 2026
Closing Date:
11 June 2026
Location(s):
UKC14 Durham CC (UK UNITED KINGDOM)
Description:
Durham County Council seeks multiple providers for a flexible Framework to deliver supported living services for individuals with learning disabilities or mental health needs, divided into four Lots with a focus on collaborative care and evolving service requirements.
Durham County Council (the Council) has a duty to provide services for vulnerable residents who are eligible for care and support according to the national criteria introduced by the Care Act 2014. The Council is seeking multiple providers that can provide the below named services. This is a flexible Framework where bidders may bid at any time. However, at the sole discretion of the Council, it may close the Framework should the Council deem they have sufficient providers to meet demand. The Council has the discretion to both open and close selected Lots and not all Lots should it choose to. The opportunity is divided into four Lots as detailed below: Lot 1: Learning Disability Standard Care Lot 2: Learning Disability Enhanced Care Lot 3: Mental Health Standard Care Lot 4: Mental Health Enhanced Care Bidders can bid for up to and including all 4 Lots and be awarded a Contract for up to and including all 4 Lots. Further details of the requirements are set out in the tender documents, which can be accessed free of charge, at www.open-uk.org using reference OPEN2026294. The Framework does not include any guarantee of any minimum volume of services, or any minimum expenditure. Furthermore, appointment under the Framework does not constitute a commitment by the Council, or any other contracting authority to the exclusive use of the Framework or an individual supplier for such requirements. Permitted modifications - The Council anticipates that changes may be required to reflect evolving service needs and external drivers. These may include (without limitation): -changes to the nature, scope, model or volume of Supported Living Services; -shifts in local and national health, care and wellbeing priorities; -changes in service user needs, complexity and demand; -amendments to statutory duties, regulatory requirements, inspection regimes or best practice guidance. Learning Disability Standard Care Services for people with Learning Disabilities, including those with physical disabilities or associated health needs. This can include those with health conditions ranging from diabetes and epilepsy to profound and multiple Learning Disabilities and will require Providers to be experienced in multi-agency working with health professionals to deliver care plans, use of specialist equipment and moving and handling. This may include supporting people with behavioural needs on occasions, which may or may not require additional support from specialist services in relation to their Learning Disability, forensic care needs, personality disorder or Autism. Providers will be expected to embed Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) and pro-active support strategies into care delivery. Learning Disability Enhanced Care Services for people with a Learning Disability that also present with regular or frequent behaviours that challenge and have complex needs. In addition to the requirements within Lot 1, depending on the needs of the client, Providers will demonstrate skills and competencies which may include specific experience and skill level in relation to Autism, mental health/personality disorder and/or forensic care needs that present with high risks and significant behaviours that challenge. Providers will embed Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) and pro-active support strategies into care delivery as well as reactive physical interventions as needed by appropriately trained staff. This service requires Providers to be able to work collaboratively with a range of agencies to comply with the Home Office and/or other statutory restrictions and would typically include involvement in multi-agency partnerships which may include the Police and community-based forensic support teams (NHS). Mental Health Standard Care Services for people with Mental Health needs. Providers will demonstrate relevant experience of providing support to people with Mental Health issues and will have a range of policies and procedures to address issues including communication, decision making within the framework of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and safeguarding. They will also demonstrate an understanding of both common Mental Health disorders such as depression and anxiety and severe mental illness typically involving psychosis e.g. schizophrenia or bipolar and interventions and approaches that can be used when working alongside service users to help them develop and maintain independence. Providers need to be experienced in multi-agency working with health and other professionals to deliver care plans. This may include supporting people with behavioural needs on occasions, which may or may not require additional support from specialist services. Mental Health Enhanced Care Services for people with Complex Mental Health needs that also present with regular or frequent behaviours that challenge. In addition to the requirements within Lot 1, depending on the needs of the service user, Providers will be expected to demonstrate skills and competencies which may include specific experience in relation to Autism, personality disorder, forensic care needs, substance misuse issues and behaviours that challenge on a regular or frequent basis. Providers will need to be experienced in delivering services to people with a high level of mental health needs who might otherwise be in hospital or residential care. This may include specific approaches for young people with multiple intertwined complex issues and challenges e.g. trauma, substance misuse, self-harm, neurodevelopmental disorders, homelessness, offending and poor education stemming from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like abuse, neglect, poverty or discrimination, requiring coordinated holistic care in partnership with other services. Providers will need to demonstrate positive, evidence based, person-centred approaches to minimise harmful behaviours and ensure safety for both individuals and staff, while helping them prepare for adulthood and develop life skills/independence This service requires Providers to be able to work collaboratively with a range of agencies to comply with the Home Office and/or other statutory restrictions and would typically include involvement in multi-agency partnerships which may include the Police and community-based forensic support teams (NHS).