Planning

Market Engagement for Respite and Short Breaks

DORSET COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

22 May 2026 at 15:17

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Dorset Council is initiating a market engagement process for "Respite and Short Breaks," falling under the Social Services industry category with CPV classification 85320000. The event targets potential suppliers of planned and unplanned short break services for working-age adults and is categorised within the planning stage. The event aims to inform participants of future development in Dorset, United Kingdom. A market engagement session is scheduled for 2nd June 2026 from 14.00-15.00, hosted via Microsoft Teams. Interested parties are encouraged to register via a provided link or contact Dorset Council if unable to attend. The engagement seeks insights on integrating planned and unplanned services into a cohesive offering, targeting adults with diverse needs such as learning disabilities, autism, mental health issues, and other physical or sensory needs.

This engagement presents an opportunity for businesses specialising in social and care services to influence potential future procurement opportunities. It is a strategic chance for providers with capabilities in delivering integrated care models to propose innovative service delivery solutions that cater to the needs of adults, including those transitioning from childhood to adult social services. The Council is particularly interested in vendors' experiences with building-based short break provisions. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are especially encouraged to participate, facilitating the sharing of best practices and innovative ideas that may shape Dorset Council’s commissioning direction. Although participation does not guarantee procurement advantage, it can provide businesses with valuable insights into upcoming service requirements.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Market Engagement for Respite and Short Breaks

Notice Description

A Market Engagement Event is being held on Tuesday 2nd of June 14.00-15.00 via Microsoft Teams to discuss Planned and Unplanned Building based short Break Services for Working-Age Adults. Dorset Council is seeking to engage with the provider market to inform the future development of Planned and unplanned (Crisis) Short Break services in Dorset. To register for the event, please use the link provided in the Addition Information section. If your organisation is unable to attend the event, but would like a copy of the recording, please also email accommodationwithsupport@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk to express an interest. The council is exploring a more integrated model of building based short break provision which would bring together: Planned short breaks and Unplanned/crisis services, including step up and step down from hospital The intention is to understand how these different types of building based short breaks could be successfully coordinated and potentially delivered within a single, cohesive service offer, while remaining flexible , preventative and responsive to periods of increased need. We are also interested to learn or explore how planned short break services can be used to develop independent living skills, assessing existing skills inside and outside the home and developing skills training in a home-like environment and supporting people to access the wider community. This could help build resilience and skills for the future in people who aren't quite ready to make that move but may wish to in future. No decisions have been made regarding delivery models, pathways, contract structure or the balance between planned and unplanned provision. Additional information: The Council is reviewing current building based short break arrangements and considering the development of a new service approach for working-age adults (aged 18-64). This includes people aged 65 and over whose needs and outcomes align with the cohort, particularly those ageing with a learning disability or autism, and who may not be best served by traditional older people's services. The primary intended cohort is adults with Care Act eligible needs who may have: Learning disabilities Autism Mental health needs (excluding primary dementia) Physical disabilities/limited mobility Sensory needs Neurodivergence We are also interested in talking to providers about provision of building based short break services for people aged 16-17 who will move into Adult social care services and your experiences or insights into how this could be incorporated into a service for young adults. The age range is specified to ensure clarity and to clearly distinguish this provision from services commissioned for older people, which is not something we are considering for this service. Purpose of Engagement This engagement is intended to: Provide early visibility of the Council's commissioning considerations Seek provider insight and experience at a formative stage Explore potential service concepts and delivery models Understand opportunities, risks, and challenges associated with integrated planned and crisis services for this cohort During the session, the Council will: Share its commissioning context and emerging direction of travel Outline key issues and considerations Invite providers to share insights, learning, and examples of good practice Feedback from this engagement will be used to inform future service development and commissioning plans. Participation in this engagement is voluntary and will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any future procurement process. Please note this is an early market engagement which may or may not result in a contract opportunity being advertised.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-ab8af05b-9fbb-43c0-aa29-5ccbc5eb8628
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/958c05d7-cf7d-4c9c-804f-68b068da808e
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

85311000 - Social work services with accommodation

85312000 - Social work services without accommodation

85320000 - Social services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 May 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
2 Jun 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DORSET COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
DORCHESTER
Postcode
DT1 1XJ
Post Town
Dorchester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK6 North Somerset, Somerset and Dorset
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK64 Dorset
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Dorset
Electoral Ward
Dorchester West
Westminster Constituency
West Dorset

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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