Provision of a Supported Living Service within Supported Accommodation

The North Ayrshire Council, working in collaboration with The North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, has completed an open procurement process for the provision of a high-quality Supported Living Service. This service will be delivered within two Supported Accommodation Housing sites located in North Ayrshire: Bessie Dunlop Court in Dalry and Castlecraigs Court in Ardrossan. The procurement falls under the category of social work and related services, and aligns with the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 Light Touch Regime.

Having reached the award stage, the contract was finalised on 14 October 2025, with Cornerstone Community Care appointed for the Dalry site and Key Housing Association for the Ardrossan site. The contract, initially covering a four-year period, holds a potential extension option up to 10 years in total, with a comprehensive budget allocation of £15,296,039.20 for the full duration. This tender offers significant prospects for growth to businesses specialising in social work services with accommodation, particularly those experienced in managing supported living arrangements for adults with various needs, including learning and physical disabilities.

The open procurement method invited wide participation, attracting six bids per lot, indicating robust competition and opportunity for companies aiming to expand or solidify their footprint in the UK social care sector. Suppliers capable of demonstrating a strong track record in similar projects, compliance with necessary qualifications, and fulfilment of stringent quality and safety standards would be ideally positioned to benefit from such initiatives. These opportunities also encompass beneficial community impacts, including employment and skills development in the local region.