Scope
Description
Durham County Council (DCC) is inviting tenders from experienced service providers capable of delivering high-quality supported accommodation services for complex adults. Service users will be 18 years of age or over, with complex needs. The opportunity is divided into 3 LOTs which are detailed in section 2.2 of this document.
All accommodation will provide 24-hour support to those who have needs that cannot be met in main stream accommodation (except for LOT 1. See section, 2.2 LOT information).
The service will act as a pathway for move on into sustainable longer-term accommodation reducing the occurrence of repeat homelessness while working to engage the individual in support services to meet their individual needs.
The successful provider(s) will be expected to work collaboratively with DCC and other stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for all service users.
Whilst interventions can occur early to prevent homelessness, where a crisis has occurred, the support services will deliver accommodation-based services delivering a range of multi-faceted interventions.
The Service will be person centred, designed around needs and personal outcomes and may comprise of a combination of direct or shared support.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,860,000 excluding VAT
- £2,860,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
2 extension periods of a 12 month duration are available subject to approval, funding and performance
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85311000 - Social work services with accommodation
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
Lot 1. High complex needs / ex-offenders. Dispersed accommodation mixed gender
Description
Supported housing for complex needs and ex-offenders. This provision is to provide a stable, safe and person-centred living environment and personalised support to help individuals reintegrate into society after being released from prison or to reduce social isolation. Support will be designed to address individual needs and challenges, such as mental health issues, addiction, or difficulties with independent living. The service will need to provide support during 9am-6pm with out of hours covered as a minimum by a concierge service covering all units of accommodation to ensure service continuity, emergency response, and safeguarding outside of core hours.
The accommodation will be a minimum of 20 units of dispersed accommodation across County Durham. Providers should have a range of support options available to provide a pathway for individuals needing support to step up or down dependant on needs.
Lot value (estimated)
- £910,000 excluding VAT
- £910,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. High complex needs core and cluster 24 hour supported accommodation mixed gender.
Description
The Provider will deliver a safe, person-centred supported accommodation service using a Core and Cluster model of supported accommodation, providing support to individuals with complex needs which may include mental health, autism, substance abuse, with self-contained accommodation with support which will be available 24-hours. The accommodation will consist of a core premises which may also have accommodation and communal areas and a cluster of dispersed accommodation, allowing for a balance of independence and support, centrally located within County Durham. Providers should have a range of support options available to provide a pathway for individuals needing support to step up or down dependant on needs and have a robust awareness of local organisations and pathways to which service users can be signposted for support.
The service must be responsive, inclusive, and aligned to local strategic objectives in County Durham.
The Provider must implement clear and effective risk management and safeguarding procedures to ensure the safety of all residents, staff, and the wider community including, but not limited to, procedures for identifying and managing risks related to non-compliance, relapse, aggression, or deterioration in mental health and contingency plans for high-risk scenarios, emergency accommodation moves, or service disruption.
Lot value (estimated)
- £975,000 excluding VAT
- £975,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Female only complex needs core and cluster supported accommodation
Description
Core and Cluster model supported accommodation for women only, providing women with complex needs which may include past trauma, mental health, autism, substance abuse, with self-contained supported accommodation, support should be available 24-hours. The accommodation will consist of a core premises which may also have accommodation and communal areas and a cluster of dispersed accommodation, allowing for a balance of independence and support, centrally located within County Durham. Providers should have a range of support options available to provide a pathway for individuals needing support to step up or down dependant on needs.
The service must be designed to promote recovery, independence, and empowerment within a safe and supportive environment. The key service requirements are as follows:
The Provider must deliver support in a way that is trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and culturally sensitive. The service must recognise and respect the lived experiences of women with multiple disadvantages, including experiences of abuse, trauma, and discrimination.
This client group require a safe and empowering environment that fosters trust, emotional security, dignity, and a sense of belonging.
The provider must have in place robust procedures for identifying, assessing, and managing individual and shared risks relevant to the client group, including safeguarding concerns.
The service should balance safety with the promotion of positive risk-taking to support autonomy and recovery.
Lot value (estimated)
- £975,000 excluding VAT
- £975,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. High complex needs / ex-offenders. Dispersed accommodation mixed gender
Lot 2. High complex needs core and cluster 24 hour supported accommodation mixed gender.
Lot 3. Female only complex needs core and cluster supported accommodation
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
31 July 2025, 10:00am
Tender submission deadline
1 September 2025, 10:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
Documents can be accessed free of charge at www.open-uk.org
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
15 September 2025
Award criteria
Lot 1. High complex needs / ex-offenders. Dispersed accommodation mixed gender
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Relevant Previous Experience and Knowledge | Pass/Fail |
Quality |
| Referrals and Ongoing Support | 15% |
Quality |
| Staff Training and TUPE | 15% |
Quality |
| Implementation , monitoring and reporting | 20% |
Quality |
| Stakeholder relationships, crisis management and LOT specific staffing and accommodation | 30% |
Quality |
Weighting description
4.2.1 Pass / Fail all remaining questions scored
Lot 2. High complex needs core and cluster 24 hour supported accommodation mixed gender.
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Relevant Previous Experience and Knowledge | PASS / FAIL |
Quality |
| Referrals and Ongoing Support | 15% |
Quality |
| Staff Training and TUPE | 15% |
Quality |
| Implementation , monitoring and reporting | 20% |
Quality |
| Stakeholder relationships, crisis management and LOT specific staffing and accommodation | 30% |
Quality |
Weighting description
question 4.2.1 Pass/Fail, all remaining questions %
Lot 3. Female only complex needs core and cluster supported accommodation
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Relevant Previous Experience and Knowledge | PASS / FAIL |
Quality |
| Referrals and Ongoing Support | 15% |
Quality |
| Staff Training and TUPE | 15% |
Quality |
| Implementation , monitoring and reporting | 20% |
Quality |
| Stakeholder relationships, crisis management and LOT specific staffing and accommodation | 30% |
Quality |
Weighting description
Question 4.2.1 PASS / FAIL remaining %
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Durham County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPB-8772-VYWM
Corten House, Dunholme Close
Durham
DH1 5WB
United Kingdom
Email: corporate.procurement@durham.gov.uk
Website: http://www.durham.gov.uk/
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government