Gloucestershire County Council - Market Engagement - Short Breaks

Gloucestershire County Council is currently in the planning stage for a procurement process related to the provision of Short Breaks services for children and young people with disabilities and their families. The initiative, titled "Market Engagement - Short Breaks," falls under the Health and Social Work Services industry category. Taking place in Gloucester, UK, the engagement phase aims to understand provider perspectives and improve market conditions.

The engagement activities, such as focus groups, will be held starting from January to February 2026 at Shire Hall, Gloucester. The procurement uses a light-touch regime with a framework agreement technique and is scheduled to open formally by July 2026, valued at approximately £4,800,000 over a potential contract period extending from April 2027 to March 2032, with possibilities for renewal. This tender provides significant business growth opportunities, especially for SMEs and VCSEs that specialise in health and social work services.

There is a focus on creating a commercially viable commissioning model, allowing innovative firms to contribute to shaping the future of these essential services. Businesses with expertise in service delivery for those with disabilities would be well-suited to compete, particularly if they can offer insights into transport, inclusion, transitions, and complex care solutions. The engagement period invites participation from interested providers to discuss and influence the re-tendering process, offering an excellent opportunity for companies to align their offerings with current market needs and secure a role in this critical public service sector.