Scope
Description
Purpose
We are seeking early market feedback on capacity and capability to deliver a Speech and Language Therapy service for Birmingham Youth Justice Service (BYJS) from April 2026 onwards (the current contract is due to expire at the end of March 2026). This is not a call for competition and participation will not affect future procurement opportunities.
About BYJS
BYJS, part of Birmingham Children's Trust, is the UK's largest Youth Justice Service, working with around 350 children aged 10-17 at any time. Many have complex needs, including speech, communication and language needs (SCLN). Research suggests up to 60% of our cohort may require SALT support.
Service Overview
The provider will supply at least 2 FTE Therapists* to:
Assess needs and deliver interventions
Provide staff training and consultation
Support creation of communication-friendly resources
Although the services of 2 FTE Therapists are required, the provider must be able to demonstrate sufficient depth of staffing to be able to cover any absences immediately to ensure service continuity and without resorting to a recruitment process which would impact service delivery.
Therapists must be suitably qualified, experienced in youth justice settings, and committed to trauma-informed, child-first practice. The service will operate across universal, targeted and specialist levels, in partnership with agencies including health, education, and criminal justice.
Confidentiality and Compliance
All information provided will be treated in confidence and used solely for the purposes of informing our procurement planning. This engagement is conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 and relevant guidance on preliminary market engagement.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Engagement
Engagement deadline
17 November 2025
Engagement process description
To participate in this market engagement exercise please complete the questions outlined below:
1. Company Name
2. Contact Name
3. Contact Email Address
4. Do you have experience of operating XX project (Yes/No)
If "Yes" please provide details of this including:
• Contract type and duration
• Contracting authority
• Location
• Number of YP who received a service
• Number of staff
If "No" provide a brief description of how the service can be delivered based on your experience, no more than 300 words.
5. Do you have capability and capacity to deliver project?? (Yes/No)
If "No", how would you intend to be ready to deliver the service by the start date?
What are the main risks and challenges you envisage to Project XX?
6. Do you have any other comments or observations to raise at this stage?
The completed questions should be returned to the
ProcurementTeam@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk by 17th November 2025 in a word document format.
Your feedback will help us shape the final procurement approach.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 December 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S TRUST COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY
- Companies House: 10762047
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCJW-7359-HTYM
1 Avenue Road
Birmingham
B6 4DU
United Kingdom
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government