Short Breaks Services Framework

Worcestershire County Council is seeking qualified and experienced suppliers to deliver services that support the Council to fulfil its Sufficiency Duty in relation to short breaks for Children with Disabilities and to improve the overall outcomes for these children. The framework agreement will assist the Council to improve the availability of suitable short breaks at the right time and right location, delivering the right support, ensuring that the Council’s Children in Care:

• Receive the best care possible to meet their needs.
• Are effectively supported to improve their individual outcomes.
• Have their welfare promoted and are effectively safeguarded.

The open framework is divided into four (4) Lots:

• Lot 1 – Overnight Fostering Short Breaks
• Lot 2 – Overnight Residential Short Breaks
• Lot 3 – Domiciliary Care
• Lot 4 – Short Breaks Support Workers

The Council is seeking to put in place an open framework to establish the initial framework and appoint one or more Suppliers to deliver services. This Procurement is intended to set up a list of approved Suppliers. There is no limit to the number of Suppliers who can join the framework. Call-off Award Procedures will then be conducted, and Call-off contracts will then be awarded.

The initial open framework will be for Lot 1 – Overnight Fostering Short Breaks and Lot 2 – Overnight Residential Short Breaks only, with new open framework start date of 1st November 2026.

Lot 3 – Domiciliary Care and Lot 4 – Short Breaks Support Workers 4 will continue on the existing Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) until 28th February 2027.

The framework for Lot 3 – Domiciliary Care and Lot 4 – Short Breaks Support Workers will open in the autumn, with an open framework start date of 1st March 2027. Lot 1– Overnight Fostering Short Breaks and Lot 2 – Overnight Residential Short Breaks will also reopen at this time.

All Lots will then reopen at least annually in the autumn.