Scope
Reference
SBC - 038549
Description
Slough Borough Council is carrying out preliminary market engagement to establish a new residential replacement care (formerly known as respite) service for adults and older adults with learning disabilities. This follows the identification of a critical service gap.
The Council has statutory duties under the Care Act 2014 to provide carers with replacement care and prevent carer breakdown. Currently, there is no local residential replacement care provision in Slough, leaving carers unsupported and increasing pressure on social care teams to source out of borough placement, and the risk of crisis placements.
The proposed service will provide:
-A legally robust, person-centred, and fit-for-purpose replacement care offer
-Regular and emergency respite to prevent breakdown and promote wellbeing
-A local, sustainable, and flexible model that reduces reliance on out-of-area placements and spot arrangements
-Better continuity and outcomes for both service users and carers
The Council is seeking to commission a residential replacement care service comprising:
-Two block-contracted residential respite beds (730 nights per year)
-One optional spot-purchased bed for complex/emergency needs (up to 92 nights per year)
-Total estimated nights covered per year: 822 nights The provider must be CQC registered
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 May 2026 to 1 May 2029
- Possible extension to 1 May 2031
- 5 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85100000 - Health services
- 85300000 - Social work and related services
- 85311000 - Social work services with accommodation
Contract locations
- UKJ11 - Berkshire
Engagement
Engagement deadline
6 August 2025
Engagement process description
Bidders are requested to log in to the e-Procurement portal to access the pre-market engagement survey and Memorandum of Information. https://in-tendhost.co.uk/sesharedservices/aspx/Home
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Slough Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMLW-2634-YYNX
Observatory House, 25 Windsor Road
Slough
SL1 2EL
United Kingdom
Email: SBCProcurement@slough.gov.uk
Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government