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Summary, notice description and lot information
Devon County Council is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process titled "Short Breaks Commissioning", aimed at transforming its short breaks provision into a commissioned service. This opportunity falls under the industry category of health and social work services and targets the UK's South West region, specifically region UKK43. A pipeline notice was published on 16th December 2025, with future notice communications expected by 1st August 2026, indicating potential upcoming procurement activities.
Each procurement lot is planned to commence services from 31st December 2026 and continue until 31st December 2034, under a special regime agreement referred to as "light touch". Interested parties are encouraged to engage early with the council's direction for short breaks, especially during the discovery days held across Tavistock, Barnstaple, and Exeter in July 2025. These events provide an insight into challenges and opportunities within the current landscape, as well as areas for potential service improvement, making them crucial for prospective bidders to understand the council's expectations and strategic goals.
For businesses seeking growth opportunities, this tender could be excellent for organisations specialising in health and social work services, particularly those focused on disability care and support. It offers avenues for service development and partnership collaboration, including a framework agreement for long-term engagement. The contract is suited to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) who are equipped to provide diverse and flexible solutions for short breaks, encompassing activities such as sports, music, crafts, and drama.
Engagement in this tender process allows businesses to align closely with Devon County Council's objectives, contributing to supporting disabled children and young people within local communities, thereby enriching the social fabric and expanding business operations through collaboration and innovation in service delivery.
This lot covers targeted short breaks provision for children aged up to 13 years old with disabilities, who have been assessed as requiring targeted support. Services will provide structured, inclusive, and enjoyable activities that promote social connection, confidence, early independence skills, and positive experiences outside the family home.
This lot provides targeted short breaks for adolescents aged 14-17 years old with disabilities, delivering age appropriate support that promotes independence, wellbeing, and social inclusion. Provision will focus on developing the skills, confidence, and real world experiences young people need now and as they prepare for adulthood, in line with preparing for Adulthood.
This lot covers specialist short breaks provision for children and young people up to age of 17 years old with complex and multiple needs who require highly individualised support to ensure safety, wellbeing, and meaningful participation. Children and young people within this lot typically have significant needs across education, health, and social care, and may require 1:1 support or enhanced staffing ratios.
Notice type, method, and CPV codes
Financial information and value estimates
The contract period is five years.
Publication, submission, and award timeline
Current status of tender, lots, awards, and contracts
Buyer organisation and contact details
Supplier who was awarded this contract
External resources and data downloads
The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector.
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