Published date: 4 March 2026

Last edited date: 4 March 2026

Open early engagement - This means that a procurement idea is currently active, it is in the early stage of development and judging interest from potential suppliers.


Closing date: 10 March 2026

Contract summary

Industry

  • Software programming and consultancy services - 72200000

  • Design consultancy services - 79415200

  • Specialty design services - 79930000

Location of contract

United Kingdom

Procurement reference

MCS-EOI001/2026

Published date

4 March 2026

Closing date

10 March 2026

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

This Expression of Interest (EOI) outlines Macmillan Cancer Support's request for agencies to collaborate on designing, testing and delivering a new cancer information and support offer(s). The project is part of Macmillan's 2025 strategy commitment to reach more people living with cancer and to improve the support we offer for people who experience inequitable access to cancer care and treatment. The design challenge for this project is "How Might We develop a scalable solution that helps people understand their rights, choices and influence in decisions about their care, irrespective of their confidence, self-advocacy skills or system knowledge?"
This is an end-to-end Innovation project that we require to be delivered in its entirety by the supplier(s), with input and guidance from Macmillan. This includes insight development and analysis, solution development, prototyping and testing of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The solution should be scalable and likely be digital or include digital elements.
The supplier must have extensive experience designing with communities and individuals that are marginalised. The supplier should be an expert in approaches including designing from the margins and embed meaningful and equitable participatory approaches into every phase of the project.
Given the nature of the requirements, we are open to working with 2 suppliers who can deliver different elements or phases of the project.
The agency must be able to recruit participants who reflect Macmillan's priority cancer support audiences to take part in user research, co-design and testing of solutions; people who have been diagnosed with cancer in the past 5 years. This includes people who are currently undergoing anti-cancer treatment (more details in attachment).
Timelines
• Expression of interest response deadline by 10/03/2026.
• Selected agencies will receive the full RFP pack in March / April.
• The anticipated project duration is 4-6 months from kick-off. The final timeline will be agreed with Macmillan during the tender process.
Supplier Response Instructions
Via email, interested suppliers should provide: (1) A brief outline of their research, design and innovation approach, including how they will use design from the margin approaches (see examples here); (2) evidence of prior engagement and participatory work with marginalised communities (3) evidence of developing and delivering scalable products and/or services (especially digital) (4) identification of gaps in their ability to meet the full requirements and if there are gaps (5) willingness to partner with another agency.
Responses at this stage do not need to be extensive. Responses should be sent to procurement@macmillan.org.uk with the subject line EOI - Innovation Advocacy/Empowerment.

More information

Attachments

  • EOI - Innovation Project - Public.pdf
  • Notice of planned procurement
  • This Expression of Interest (EOI) outlines Macmillan Cancer Support's request for agencies to collaborate on designing, testing and delivering a new cancer information and support offer(s). The project is part of Macmillan's 2025 strategy commitment to reach more people living with cancer and to improve the support we offer for people who experience inequitable access to cancer care and treatment. The design challenge for this project is "How Might We develop a scalable solution that helps people understand their rights, choices and influence in decisions about their care, irrespective of their confidence, self-advocacy skills or system knowledge?"

How to apply

Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.

About the buyer

Contact name

Sally Bowron

Address

3rd Floor Bronze Building
LONDON
SE19HZ
England

Email

sbowron@macmillan.org.uk