Scope
Reference
1
Description
Preliminary Market Engagement notice:
Swindon Borough Council (SBC) invites you to contribute to preliminary market engagement in relation to the provision of Supported Lodgings services and would welcome the views of suppliers on the questions set out in the questionnaire. The intention is to invite supplier feedback to help shape the final specification and commercial model to ensure the tender delivers the optimum outcomes for the children and young people supported by the Council.
Supported Lodgings provides a safe home with guidance for young people aged 16 and over who are leaving care or at risk of homelessness, helping them develop life skills and confidence to become independent adults. Hosted by approved individuals or families, this program offers a stepping stone between foster care or residential care and independent living; providing practical support with budgeting, cooking, and job applications in a less formal environment than traditional fostering.
SBC is seeking to commission (and procure) an organisation who will in turn recruit, train and support an appropriate number of hosts to deliver high quality accommodation and support services to the children and young people.
This service will be delivered to Children We Care For (CWCF) and Care Experienced Young People (CEYP), aged 16-21 and with varying support needs. The hosts recruited by the appointed organisation will be expected to be skilled, experienced and resilient in delivering accommodation and support to CWCF & CEYP with a wide variety of personal and care history.
The estimated number of children and young people to be supported is 16-25; the majority of which will be aged 16-18. The majority would need to be hosted in Swindon but there may also be some need for hosts outside of the local authority area.
This requirement will not be broken down into lots, as the authority is seeking to award a single provider.
The initial contract term is expected to be for 36 months with an option to extend for a further 24 months (2 periods of 12 months) for a potential total contract term of 5 years. Estimated contract spend is between £350,000 and £450,000 across the initial 3-year contract term and between £600,000 and £700,000 across the potential total 5-year contract term.
Total value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £840,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2029
- Possible extension to 31 May 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85311300 - Welfare services for children and young people
Contract locations
- UKK14 - Swindon
Engagement
Engagement deadline
6 October 2025
Engagement process description
Swindon Borough Council (SBC) is seeking input from the market for the provision of its Supported Lodgings, Semi-Independent Accommodation and Support Services.
This Preliminary Market Engagement exercise is to assist the Council in reviewing the current supply market and defining a high impact specification and contract for the services offered to our under 18 Children We Care For (CWCF) and 18+ Care Experienced Young People (CEYP). This is NOT a call for competition.
The intention is that Swindon Borough Council will appoint an organisation who will in turn recruit, train and support an appropriate number of hosts to deliver high quality accommodation and support services to the children and young people.
~ Most referrals will be for CWCF - who will join hosts pre-18, but some will be 18+ CEYP.
~ Most CWCF & CEYP will join hosts as part of a carefully planned process, but a small number of emergency beds will also be required.
~ Most CWCF & CEYP will have low-medium support needs, but there may be a need to discuss occasional more complex referrals.
~ Most CWCF & CEYP will require hosts in Swindon and its immediate surroundings, but there me be a need for hosts outside of this area.
SBC expects the appointed organisation to prepare for and deliver consistently high-quality services in all of the above circumstances.
Any contracts for services or supplies relating to this exercise may be subject to separate procurement processes in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023. All participants in this event shall be responsible for their own costs (including third party costs) and the Contracting Authority shall have no liability to any participant.
Supported Lodgings Service (Semi-Independent Accommodation & Support)
The purpose of this questionnaire is to gain intelligence on the supply market for Swindon Borough Council's requirements, including information that will help define the most appropriate structure, plan and budget for any potential competitive procurement exercise. The closing date for the return of the PME questionnaire/application to the event is Monday 6th October at 17:00.
For the avoidance of doubt, no information provided in response to this questionnaire will be used by the Council in assessing providers during any future procurement process.
Engagement Process Description
To participate in the Preliminary Market Engagement Suppliers will need to Register as a Supplier with ProContract, www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk, then Register an Interest before obtaining access to the Preliminary Market Engagement documents.
Responses to the Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire are required to be submitted no later than 6th October 2025 at 17:00 hrs UK Local time via ProContract tender portal - https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Swindon Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNPT-6195-XDWV
Swindon Borough Council, Civic Offices, Euclid Street
Swindon
SN1 2JH
United Kingdom
Region: UKK14 - Swindon
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government