Scope
Description
Essex County Council alongside North Essex ICB are commissioning a Recovery College to support adults in Essex experiencing poor mental health in their road to recovery. Supporting adults of Essex to remain well in their community is a priority that drives many of Essex County Councils strategies.
This contract will look to deliver open access support for residents of North East Essex to support their mental health recovery. The winning provider will work closely with commissioners and operational teams across health and social care to ensure that adults with mental health needs are supported in the community in their recovery. Recovery courses will be co-created, co-designed and co-delivered with adults with lived experience of mental health.
Course content will be flexible to meet local demand and will be shaped by those that are accessing the college defining the support they need. There will be a set list of courses that will be continuously delivered that the provider will work with commissioners to develop. Course development will require the development of specific courses to support local need
Total value (estimated)
- £200,000 excluding VAT
- £200,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2027
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85312310 - Guidance services
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
4 February 2026, 11:00pm
Tender submission deadline
11 February 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Service Delivery | Quality | 60% |
| Commercial | Cost | 30% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10% |
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Essex County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWVM-4844-NRQH
County Hall, Market Road
Chelmsford
CM1 1QH
United Kingdom
Region: UKH36 - Heart of Essex
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government