This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

11 Jun 2026 at 12:03

Award

26 Aug 2025 at 12:53

Summary of the contracting process

Essex County Council has awarded a contract titled "Flexible Fund - Part of PEDACC Contract" to "Safe Steps" as part of their domestic abuse services initiative. This procurement aligns with the public authority sub-central government's legal framework under UKPGA 2023/54 and supports social work and related services in the region. Located in Chelmsford, the contract, starting on 1 April 2026 and extending potentially until 2030, was directly awarded without competition due to its below-threshold value. The contract emphasises flexible funding to assist victims of domestic abuse in securing or maintaining safe accommodations, with an annual value of £25,000.

This contract represents a significant opportunity for businesses that specialise in social work services, particularly those experienced in addressing domestic abuse and providing related support services. The procurement is concentrated in the UKH31 region, involving collaborative efforts with Southend-on-Sea City Council, which offers a fertile environment for entities looking to establish a foothold in the regional social services sector. The nature of this tender, with direct and limited competition, makes it accessible to businesses that have the capability to meet flexible funding requirements while also offering safety and recovery solutions for abuse victims. Suppliers such as large-scale social enterprises and charities with expertise in these areas stand to benefit from engaging in such public contracts, enhancing their service portfolio and regional presence.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Flexible Fund - Part of PEDACC Contract

Notice Description

Supply PS25000.00 The Flexible Fund forms part of the requirements of the domestic abuse contract and was written into the specification. A decision was taken not to include it in the contract value as this may fluctuate and it was agreed that each local authority would pay this directly to the successful provider. This is a pot which provides funding to support victims of domestic abuse to seek or sustain safe accommodation with ad hoc requirements to ensure their safety and aid their recovery. This followed a full commissioning process with Essex County Council holding the contract.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058dc7
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/055197-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

85300000 - Social work and related services

85310000 - Social work services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£74,000 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Jun 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
30 Mar 20251 years ago
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA CITY 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
SOUTHEND-ON-SEA
Postcode
SS2 6FA
Post Town
Southend-on-Sea
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH36 Heart of Essex
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Chelmsford
Electoral Ward
Moulsham and Central
Westminster Constituency
Chelmsford

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
2
Supplier Names

SAFE STEPS

SAFESTEPS

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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