Scope
Description
We are seeking to commission a comprehensive and trauma-informed domestic abuse refuges and refuge support service that meets the diverse needs of women (and their dependent children if applicable) affected by domestic abuse and who are seeking safe accommodation from high-risk domestic abuse situations.
The aim of the service is to provide temporary safe accommodation within a refuge setting to victim-survivors of domestic abuse (and any dependent children/young people that are accommodated) that improves the safety, harm reduction, recovery and wellbeing of the victim-survivors. The commissioned service(s) should have a strong focus on partnership working and community engagement.
We welcome proposals from experienced providers who can demonstrate a commitment to survivor-led approaches, multi-agency collaboration, and continuous improvement. The successful provider will play a vital role in helping us create a safe and supportive environment for those impacted by domestic abuse.
The opportunity is issued as multiple Lot contract based on geographical locations. Suppliers can bid for a maximum of two geographical areas/lots.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2032
- 6 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
Lot constraints
Maximum number of lots a supplier can bid for: 2
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded: 2
Lot 1. North Durham
Description
9 units within North Durham including support
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. South Durham
Description
8 Units within South Durham including support
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. East Durham
Description
6 Units in East Durham including support.
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 4. Central Durham
Description
9 units in Central Durham including support.
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.
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
8 September 2025
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
10 October 2025, 11:59pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
5 December 2025
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Competitive flexible procedure description
It is anticipated that the Competitive Flexible Procedure for this opportunity will consist of three stages:
Stage 1
Part 1 Preliminary & Core Supplier Information (this will be confirmed via CDP):
Part 2 Exclusions Information
Part 3 Conditions of Participation & Contract Specific Essential Criteria
Part 4 Contract Specific Essential Criteria and Award Criteria
Part 5 Supplier Early Payment Discount Scheme
Part 6 Pricing Schedule
Part 7 County Durham TOMs Lite Social Value Calculator
Part 8 Form of Tender, Declarations, Non-Canvassing and Non-Collusion
Stage 2
Domestic Abuse Refuge Accommodation Inspection
Stage 3
Preferred Supplier Negotiation Stage (if required)
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