Scope
Reference
1901
Description
West Berkshire Council requires 36 block-purchased beds for older adults requiring residential and nursing care, including support for frailty and dementia. The beds will be allocated as follows:
• 25 beds for low-level residential care needs
• 11 beds for high-level nursing care needs
Block beds provide guaranteed capacity and throughput, supporting timely hospital discharge and admission avoidance whilst enabling the Council to manage care costs effectively. Providers will receive a fixed weekly rate per bed regardless of occupancy, in return for guaranteed availability and priority access for West Berkshire residents.
Total value (estimated)
- £11,851,892 excluding VAT
- £11,851,892 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 1 April 2028
- Possible extension to 1 April 2030
- 4 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85310000 - Social work services
- 85311100 - Welfare services for the elderly
- 85144000 - Residential health facilities services
- 85144100 - Residential nursing care services
- 85311000 - Social work services with accommodation
Engagement
Engagement deadline
5 March 2026
Engagement process description
• General Information:
It is mandatory for any interested suppliers to register on the new CENTRAL DIGITAL PLATFORM which is part of the enhanced Find a Tender Service.
This procurement will be progressed using the Open Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. Residential services for older persons are identified under Schedule 1 of the Procurement Regulations 2024 as Light Touch.
The aim of this procurement is to establish block contracts with suitable providers for residential care for the older people.
West Berkshire Council (WBC) welcomes interest from all suitable suppliers, including SMEs and VCSEs.
• Outcome Based Specification:
WBC is conducting this procurement using the Open procedure in accordance with the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) for the purpose of procuring 36 beds for older adults requiring residential and nursing, frail and dementia care.
Business Requirements (high level for Preliminary Market Engagement Notice only)
The residential care beds will be allocated as follows:
• 25 beds for low-level residential care needs
• 11 beds for high-level nursing care needs
The block contract provides guaranteed capacity and throughput, supporting timely hospital discharge and admission avoidance whilst enabling the Council to manage care costs effectively.
• Stages: Market Engagement:
1) Supplier event via Teams to discuss requirements and run through the open procedure requirements paying particular attention to conditions of participation
2) One to One supplier meeting via Teams (if required)
• Stages: Open Tender
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
16 March 2026
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
West Berkshire Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTXJ-8922-CMNQ
Market Street
Newbury
RG14 5LD
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@westberks.gov.uk
Website: http://www.westberks.gov.uk
Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government