Direct Award for provision of Individual Placement and Support Service

East Sussex County Council, a sub-central government public authority based in Lewes, has completed a procurement process to award a contract for the provision of an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Service. This tender falls under the health and social work services category and aims to deliver employment support to individuals receiving community treatment for drug and alcohol dependence across East Sussex. The contract, valued at up to £168,422 per annum, was awarded as a direct award without competition, starting on 1st April 2025 and concluding on 31st March 2026.

The procurement was conducted under a light-touch regime as per UK legislation. This tender creates significant opportunities for businesses specialising in community health, social care, and employment support services. Organisations that provide innovative support strategies and have a strong local presence in East Sussex would be particularly well-suited to compete for similar future contracts.

With the procurement method employing a direct award, businesses with established relationships with public sector bodies may find themselves at an advantage in such processes. This contract exemplifies the need for businesses to align closely with local authority needs and demonstrate effective service delivery capabilities.