DoLS Standard Authorisations (Form Three and Form Five Assessments)

Durham County Council has completed a public procurement process for the provision of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding (DoLS) Standard Authorisations, specifically focusing on Form Three and Form Five Assessments. The contract was awarded to ACTION FIRST ASSESSMENTS LTD, a supplier based in London. This service procurement falls under the health and social work services industry category and will be executed within the UKC14 region.

The procurement process was conducted through a direct method, classified as below the threshold and without competition, under the legal framework of UKPGA 2023/54. The contract period begins on 9th January 2026 and runs until 4th May 2026, with the contract being signed on 8th January 2026. This tender presents lucrative opportunities for businesses specialising in health and social work services, providing a platform for companies to expand their portfolio in public sector contracts.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those with expertise in managing DoLS assessments or similar domains, stand to benefit significantly by engaging in this type of procurement. The contract's substantial value of £162,540 and its light-touch regime offers a chance for businesses to secure vital work and develop a relationship with a sub-central public authority like Durham County Council, creating pathways for future collaborations and growth in the government contracting sphere.