Independent Travel Training

The London Borough of Ealing Council is in the planning stage for the procurement of Independent Travel Training services, aiming to empower individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to travel independently. The service is expected to commence in September 2026 and extend over an initial period of five years. A preliminary market engagement is scheduled for December 2025, offering providers the opportunity for one-to-one online meetings with commissioners to discuss innovative delivery models.

This procurement process targets services within the specialist training and social services sectors, with the potential for a value up to £500,000 by 2032/33, and is particularly welcoming to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). The procurement will follow an open procedure, ensuring a transparent and competitive bidding process. This tender presents a substantial opportunity for businesses specialising in specialist training services and social services to expand their services within a structured and growth-oriented contract framework.

The opportunity is tailored to be inclusive of SMEs and VCSEs, providing a stable financial pathway over a potential seven-year contract period (including extensions). The focus on empowering vulnerable individuals aligns with businesses aiming to contribute to social value and community enhancement, thus attracting entities committed to societal upliftment and innovation in travel education. By engaging early in the planning discussions, interested businesses can influence service delivery approaches, thus better aligning their proposals with council expectations and needs.