Scope
Description
Link to complete market testing exercise:
https://forms.office.com/e/CUK97xtJGv
If you have any difficulties accessing or completing the form, or any questions about it, please email:
NNCPHCommissioning@northnorthants.gov.uk
North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) is preparing to commission a new Healthy Lifestyles Service, due to commence on 1st April 2027. To inform the forthcoming procurement strategy and final service model, the Council is carrying out a Soft Market Testing (SMT) exercise with current and potential providers across the health improvement and VCSE sectors, and invite providers to complete the Microsoft Form through the link above.
This is a strategic opportunity to modernise adult lifestyle services in North Northamptonshire so they reflect national best practice in integration, are easier for residents and referrers to navigate, deliver better population outcomes by tackling multiple risk factors together, operate with clear performance measures and a strong focus on reducing inequalities, and fit within the council's wider ambitions for coordinated, accessible services. By moving to an integrated model, the council aims to design services that better match the complex needs of the population, make best use of limited resources, and ensure alignment with both national direction and local system priorities.
The Council is exploring commissioning options that bring together key elements of adult health improvement, including NHS Health Checks (community delivery), Tier 2 weight management, physical activity support, healthy ageing interventions, and targeted wellbeing programmes, into a coherent and outcome focused model.
This SMT exercise aims to:
• Gauge the level of market interest and capacity to deliver an integrated model, a lead provider model with subcontractors, or other potential configurations.
• Understand opportunities, constraints, cost drivers, workforce implications, digital requirements, and views on contract length, risk allocation, and partnership expectations.
• Gather feedback on early service design principles, including coordination and triage functions, community outreach, the role of the VCSE sector, and alignment with GP delivered elements commissioned separately under the Provider Selection Regime.
• Gain an early understanding of the attractiveness of the proposed procurement route and service model and anticipated contract value.
Participation in the SMT does not form part of the formal procurement process and will not advantage or disadvantage any provider in a future tender. Insight gathered will help refine the commissioning approach, shape market engagement events, and inform the sourcing strategy prior to formal approval and procurement launch.
Providers of all sizes, including those specialising in individual lifestyle areas, community based delivery, digital wellbeing interventions, and organisations with experience supporting vulnerable or seldom heard groups, are encouraged to participate.
Total value (estimated)
- £9,000,000 excluding VAT
- £10,800,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032
- Possible extension to 31 March 2036
- 9 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85100000 - Health services
Contract locations
- UKF25 - North Northamptonshire
Engagement
Engagement deadline
31 May 2026
Engagement process description
The council anticipates running market engagement events, as well as consultation and information events/seminar closer to the tender go-live date.
Dates to be confirmed in due course.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
31 May 2026
Contracting authority
North Northamptonshire Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQCM-5634-HGCN
The Corby Cube, George Street
Corby
NN17 1QG
United Kingdom
Region: UKF25 - North Northamptonshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government