Scope
Reference
C389512
Description
The Department of Health and Social Care seeks to commission an external partner to deliver a regional pilot of the Waiting Well service for eligible for individuals aged 18+ who on the current waiting list for adult gender services based in the southwest of England and awaiting their first appointment.
The service’s primary focus is to provide a holistic approach that integrates wellbeing support, with the aim of achieving the following outcomes:
a) Improved self-reported wellbeing and resilience
b) Increased readiness for first appointment with gender dysphoria clinic
c) Increased ability to self-manage symptoms while awaiting clinical care.
d) Reduced isolation and increased social connectedness.
e) Reduced unplanned use of crisis or emergency services.
The value of the contract is £125,000 excluding VAT. £150,000 inclusive of VAT
Term of the contract: An initial term of six (6) months, with the option to extend for one or more further periods up to a maximum of twelve (12) months
This is not a call for competition, but an opportunity to gather feedback to better understand market capabilities, refine the procurement strategy, and encourage supplier engagement.
Total value (estimated)
- £125,000 excluding VAT
- £150,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 9 January 2026 to 8 June 2026
- Possible extension to 8 November 2026
- 10 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85100000 - Health services
- 85312320 - Counselling services
- 85140000 - Miscellaneous health services
Contract locations
- UKK - South West (England)
Engagement
Engagement deadline
24 October 2025
Engagement process description
Interested parties can access the relevant documents via the Atamis system at https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome using the contract reference. Suppliers may also submit the completed questionnaire through Atamis but must be registered on the system to do so. Alternatively, questionnaires can be submitted by email to ccsinbox@dhsc.gov.uk quoting “Adult gender services waiting list – wellbeing pilot (southwest)” no later than 23/10/2025 at 5pm
We are sharing the draft specifications, proposed procurement approach, draft contract and timetable with the market to invite feedback from potential bidders.
The objective of the preliminary market engagement is:
a) Understanding market capability
b) Improving Procurement Strategy and Specification Development
c) Identify any barriers
d) Encouraging Supplier Participation and Competition
The input by suppliers may help shape the final approach and procurement strategy. A questionnaire is also available for suppliers to complete, allowing them to provide comments and raise any additional questions.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
5 November 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Department of Health & Social Care
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMQG-9965-CHZR
39 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0EU
United Kingdom
Contact name: Victoria McLaren
Email: ccsinbox@dhsc.co.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government