Scope
Description
Lancashire County Council is seeking to appoint an academic institution with substantial expertise in stigma and substance use to lead the development of the North West Anti-Stigma Strategy and associated Action Plan.
The appointed provider will be responsible for:
- Convening and facilitating a Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Group.
- Providing regular written updates and/or briefing sessions to substance use commissioners and stakeholders across the North West, coordinated via Lancashire County Council.
- Conducting desk-based research to review and synthesise existing international anti-stigma strategies and action plans, from related fields particularly those related to HIV and mental health.
- Organising and facilitating a North West consensus-building event.
- Leading co-production groups involving individuals with lived/living experience.
- Designing, distributing, and analysing a regional survey.
The findings from the literature review, consensus event, co-production groups, and survey will be synthesised to produce a comprehensive Anti-Stigma Strategy and Action Plan for the North West. These outputs will be reviewed and approved by the Steering Committee.
The delivery of this work will contribute to the following overarching objectives:
- Reducing internalised stigma among individuals affected by substance use and those who support them.
- Challenging and changing public attitudes and behaviors towards people with lived/living experience, their families, carers, and support networks.
- Addressing and mitigating structural stigma and discrimination in identified settings.
Total value (estimated)
- £83,333.33 excluding VAT
- £99,999 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Contract locations
- UKD - North West (England)
Engagement
Engagement deadline
10 December 2025
Engagement process description
Suppliers wishing to express interest in this opportunity should contact Lancashire County Council by email.
Email responses should be sent to behaviourchange@lancashire.gov.uk by 4pm on Wednesday 10th December.
Please use the subject line: "Expression of Interest - NW Stigma".
Lancashire County Council are intending to commission these services on behalf of 20 local authorities across the North West of England.
The Authority are undertaking this preliminary market engagement to assess the level of market interest and capability for the required services. The Authority may or may not carry out a request to quote exercise following this notice.
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Lancashire County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBBJ-2179-TNXM
PO Box 100, County Hall
Preston
PR1 0LD
United Kingdom
Email: caphprocurement@lancashire.gov.uk
Website: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/fusion-supplier-portal/
Region: UKD45 - Mid Lancashire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government