Scope
Reference
001322
Description
YPO is exploring the establishment of a new, values-based Children's Homes Framework to secure high-quality, stable, and locally-based homes.
The specific purpose of this PME is to:
• Inform the Market: Provide early notification of our intent to procure a new Framework for children's services.
• Refine the Operating Model: Seek insight from prospective providers to shape the Framework structure, Lotting strategy, commercial models, and service specifications.
• Gauge Capacity and Capability: Understand the market's capacity to deliver high-quality, values-based services and a commitment to strategic partnership.
• Explore Strategic Collaboration: Specifically engage with providers who are ready to move beyond transactional commissioning and work as strategic partners with commissioners to co-design and co-deliver system-wide improvements.
• NOTE: The framework is NOT intended for the purposes of spot purchasing.
We are specifically seeking to engage with providers (including SMEs, charities, and larger organisations) whose core values align with our commitment to:
• Child-Centred Outcomes: A focus on long-term stability, excellent welfare, and therapeutic outcomes for children and young people.
• Transparency and Openness: A willingness to share cost data, capacity projections, and actively participate in joint planning to improve sufficiency.
• Innovation and Flexibility: Readiness to explore and develop diverse, blended models of care to meet complex and evolving needs, reducing reliance on distant and high-cost spot placements.
We are particularly interested in hearing from organisations that can demonstrate a track record, or a clear strategy, for a long-term strategic relationship with Local Authorities, focusing on joint risk management, quality assurance.
Proposed lot structure
Lot 1: Children's Social Care Consultancy
Lot 2: Strategic Commissioning of Children's Home Provision
Lot 3: Children's Home Managed Solution
Providers who wish to find out more and take part in the engagement should email socialcare@ypo.co.uk
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £800,000,000 excluding VAT
- £960,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 15 June 2026 to 14 June 2036
- 10 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
- 79419000 - Evaluation consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
30 January 2026
Engagement process description
A combination of one to one meetings, with Providers who feel they align with the approach to this new solution. YPO may choose to issue questionnaires and host wider market engagement events and reserve the right to adapt the PME approach as needed. Further PME Notices will be published to inform the market as YPO moves forward with the solution development.
Pre-market engagement is being sought without prejudice and without commitment. Any information provided will not be used to determine the outcome of the tender process. When, or if, YPO wishes to proceed further a formal procurement process will be followed in accordance with YPO's contract procedure rules and in line with the Procurement Act 2023.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
2 March 2026
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMRV-4748-MNJV
41 Industrial Park
Wakefield
WF2 0XE
United Kingdom
Email: socialcare@ypo.co.uk
Region: UKE45 - Wakefield
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government