Published date: 15 February 2024

Closed opportunity - This means that the contract is currently closed. The buying department may be considering suppliers that have already applied, or no suitable offers were made.


Closing: 1 March 2024, 12pm

Contract summary

Industry

  • Health and social work services - 85000000

Location of contract

United Kingdom

Value of contract

£1,500,000

Procurement reference

CORNWALL001-DN711484-93039738

Published date

15 February 2024

Closing date

1 March 2024

Closing time

12pm

Contract start date

1 April 2024

Contract end date

31 March 2027

Contract type

Service contract

Procedure type

Open procedure (above threshold)

Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.

This procedure can be used for procurements above the relevant contract value threshold.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No


Description

Local Authorities have a duty to provide or procure homes for Children in Care (referred to as children looked after in legislation) which is explicit in the Children Act 1989. This has since been strengthened by the introduction
of Sufficiency Statutory Guidance (2010) and the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations 2010. There is a duty of 'sufficiency' that requires local authorities and partners to ensure that, through direct provision or commissioned services, a range of homes sufficient to meet the needs of all children in care are available locally, or that there is a plan in place to move
towards that position.

In Cornwall, the number of children presenting with complex emotional and mental health issues has risen steadily over the last 5 years. Demand also outstrips supply for crisis placements which sometimes results in either children living far away from home or not having the appropriate level of support to remain at home.

We would like to develop a new approach for Children and Young People presenting with complex emotional and mental health in the community and acute settings. This is a particular issue for 16- and 17-year-olds but not exclusive to this age group.

Cornwall Council are seeking your opinion; and would like to hear from providers who might already have experience of; or want to help us to develop a new approach. We would like to understand what options are available and hear about the current challenges.
Cornwall is a large rural geographical area, so it is important that providers understand the requirements and challenges this entails.
It is intended that the responses supplied will enable the Council to consider future options, which might include a pilot project or partnership approach. Any future provision would be subject to development and approval and, as such, this exercise implies no commercial commitment. This is not a formal tender document. Participation in this soft market assessment will not prejudice suppliers participating in any future procurement.
If you are interested in this area of service provision and would like to express an interest in developing a new approach with Cornwall Council, please complete the "Information Required" section at the end of this notice along with any additional information you consider to be relevant. Please return this via the Due North system by 12pm (noon) on Friday 1st March 2024.


About the buyer

Contact name

John Hitchens

Address

County Hall
Treyew Road
Truro
TR1 3AY
United Kingdom

Telephone

+44 1872322222

Email

jhitchens@cornwall.gov.uk

Website

http://www.cornwall.gov.uk