Scope
Reference
ASC25078
Description
The Council is seeking a supplier to deliver Direct Payment Support across two distinct Lots. A supplier can be awarded either a single Lot or both Lots
o Lot 1 - Direct Payments Strategic Support Partner
o Lot 2 - Direct Payment Finance Partner
The Direct Payments Strategic Support Partner would be required to deliver strategic support to promote the growth of direct payments across Worcestershire and find suitable services to meet the needs of direct payment recipients.
As part of Lot 1 the Strategic Support Partner would act as a micro brokerage service for Direct Payment recipients, advising what may be available to them in their area, both paid for and free services that might be available in the Voluntary Community Sector (VCS). The Supplier would also be required to advise social work staff where required. This wider remit could lead to closer working with the Communities Directorate, social prescribers and public health initiatives, supporting the Council to deliver the right service at the right time and the right price.
There is evidence that this has worked well in other local authorities, especially with voluntary or service-user-led organisations. It is likely that the VCS will benefit from this approach as they have all the skills available to support people to maximise the potential of direct payments.
As part of Lot 2, the Direct Payment Finance Partner would deliver a financial management service with elements within the contract covering support for the payments, including managed accounts and payroll for Personal Assistants (PAs). The Finance Partner would also be operating managed accounts on WCC's behalf in line with new approval process and are required to employ PA's to deliver cost-effective services.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,053,254 excluding VAT
- £2,463,904 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031
- Possible extension to 1 July 2033
- 7 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
option to extend for up to 2 years subject to funding and performance
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
- 85310000 - Social work services
Lot LOT-0001. Lot 1 Direct Payments Strategic Support Partner
Description
The Direct Payments Strategic Support Partner would be required to deliver strategic support to promote the growth of direct payments across Worcestershire and find suitable services to meet the needs of direct payment recipients.
As part of Lot 1 the Strategic Support Partner would act as a micro brokerage service for Direct Payment recipients, advising what may be available to them in their area, both paid for and free services that might be available in the Voluntary Community Sector (VCS). The Supplier would also be required to advise social work staff where required. This wider remit could lead to closer working with the Communities Directorate, social prescribers and public health initiatives, supporting the Council to deliver the right service at the right time and the right price.
There is evidence that this has worked well in other local authorities, especially with voluntary or service-user-led organisations. It is likely that the VCS will benefit from this approach as they have all the skills available to support people to maximise the potential of direct payments.
Lot value (estimated)
- £674,254 excluding VAT
- £809,104 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot LOT-0002. Lot 2 - Direct Payment Finance Partner
Description
Lot 2, the Direct Payment Finance Partner would deliver a financial management service with elements within the contract covering support for the payments, including managed accounts and payroll for Personal Assistants (PAs). The Finance Partner would also be operating managed accounts on WCC's behalf in line with new approval process and are required to employ PA's to deliver cost-effective services.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,379,000 excluding VAT
- £1,654,800 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot LOT-0001. Lot 1 Direct Payments Strategic Support Partner
Lot LOT-0002. Lot 2 - Direct Payment Finance Partner
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
15 December 2025, 4:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
12 January 2026, 4:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Please visit https://www.in-tendhost.co.uk/worcestershire/aspx/Home to access this opportunity. You will need to register for In Tend in order to apply for this opportunity.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
26 March 2026
Award criteria
Lot LOT-0001. Lot 1 Direct Payments Strategic Support Partner
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 45% |
| Price | Price | 30% |
| Presentation | Quality | 15% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10% |
Lot LOT-0002. Lot 2 - Direct Payment Finance Partner
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 60% |
| Price | Price | 30% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Competitive flexible procedure description
The procedure for Lot 1 will be conducted in two (2) stages, stage 1 is conditions of participation, price and quality, stage 2 is presentations. Lot 2 is being conducted in a single stage, conditions of participation, price and quality. (See tender guidance for further details)
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://www.in-tendhost.co.uk/worcestershire/aspx/Home
Please visit https://www.in-tendhost.co.uk/worcestershire/aspx/Home to access this opportunity. You will need to register for In Tend in order to apply for this opportunity.
Contracting authority
Worcestershire County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRPQ-4584-WLPQ
County Hall, Spetchley Road
Worcester
WR5 2NP
United Kingdom
Contact name: Deb Roe
Email: procurement@worcestershire.gov.uk
Website: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk
Region: UKG12 - Worcestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government