Preliminary Market Engagement - Respite Provision for Adults with a Learning Disability

The procurement process is spearheaded by Westminster City Council, in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, focusing on enhancing respite care services for adults with learning disabilities. This initiative falls within the social work services industry category and is centralised in London, specifically the UKI3 region. The process is currently in the planning stage, with an important milestone set for 31st October 2025, which is the due date for stakeholders to provide input through a market engagement questionnaire.

The objective is to identify care and support providers, particularly those registered under the Care Quality Commission (CQC) that can cater to individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and complex health conditions. The procurement method is currently classified as a light-touch regime, indicating a specific focus on social and other specific services. This tender presents substantial growth opportunities for businesses operating within the social care sector, especially those with existing facilities in London.

Companies possessing properties in the boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster, capable of accommodating a minimum of 10 and 5 individuals respectively, are well-suited to this initiative. The focus on high-standard facilities that cater to complex needs, including accessibility features such as level access rooms, makes this an attractive contract for established care providers. The inclusion of SMEs and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) signals an inclusive approach, potentially broadening the scope for smaller businesses to engage in public sector procurement, thereby fostering growth and expansion within the sector.