Planning

Soft Market Testing - Reg 44 Inspections

  • St Helens Council

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-082131

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-05f422

Published 11 December 2025, 3:33pm



Scope

Reference

DN799261

Description

St Helens Council is undertaking soft market testing ahead of a forthcoming procurement for an Independent Regulation 44 Visitor Service. The Council currently commissions Regulation 44 inspections for two of its children's homes. However, due to recent service expansion, Regulation 44 inspections are now required for five children's homes, with a potential sixth home expected to open in the near future. Further expansion of provision is also possible during the lifetime of the contract.

Total value (estimated)

  • £17,700 excluding VAT
  • £17,700 including VAT

Below the relevant threshold

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
  • 3 years

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 85000000 - Health and social work services

Contract locations

  • UKD7 - Merseyside

Engagement

Engagement deadline

23 December 2025

Engagement process description

Providers will be asked to complete a Soft Market Testing Document


Participation

Particular suitability

  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
  • Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Procedure

Special regime

Light touch


Contracting authority

St Helens Council

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPYM-6238-VHLR

Town Hall

St Helens

WA10 1HP

United Kingdom

Region: UKD71 - East Merseyside

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government


Other organisation

These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.

Star Procurement

Summary of their role in this procurement: Shared Procurement Support

  • Companies House: Star Procurement
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMJL-3178-QZJH

Waterside House

Sale

M33 7ZF

United Kingdom

Region: UKD34 - Greater Manchester South West


Contact organisation

Contact Star Procurement for any enquiries.