Award

VCSE Infrastructure Support Services

GATESHEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

19 Feb 2026 at 14:31

Tender

11 Dec 2025 at 15:40

Planning

30 Oct 2025 at 14:25

Summary of the contracting process

Gateshead Borough Council has initiated a public procurement process under the title "VCSE Infrastructure Support Services." This contract aims to deliver a comprehensive range of support services for the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, including the provision of information, training, networking opportunities, and sector representation. The procurement process is being governed by the open procedure, offering transparency and fair competition. The contract is set within the social services category and will be implemented in the United Kingdom, specifically in the Gateshead region. The contract has been awarded to CONNECTED VOICE, with a gross value of £1,227,000, and is scheduled to commence on 1st April 2026, with potential extensions up to March 2031. The procurement stage of this process is in the 'Award' phase as of 19th February 2026.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses involved in VCSE infrastructure support-related activities to grow by engaging with a sub-central government authority. Organisations specialising in social services, training, and sector representation are well-suited to compete for such contracts. The flexible procurement method and substantial contract value can provide significant business growth opportunities for large-scale VCSEs. Firms that can deliver high-quality services with added social value are particularly encouraged to explore such opportunities, supporting both social impact and business development within the region. Gateshead Borough Council's focus on extending support services ensures there is room for collaboration and innovation in delivering sector-relevant solutions.

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Notice Title

VCSE Infrastructure Support Services

Notice Description

Gateshead Council is implementing a Contract with a qualified and experienced external contractor to deliver VCSE infrastructure support services. The provider will deliver a range of sector support including provision of information, advice and guidance, training, networking opportunities and facilitation, sector representation, and maintenance and promotion of the Our Gateshead website.

Planning Information

Online Market Engagement Event to be held on Teams Thursday 13th November 10am to 12pm. Market engagement questionnaire published on OPEN portal (https://www.open-uk.org/). This can be found using project number OPEN20251894.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d730
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015303-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

85320000 - Social services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,022,500 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,022,500 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£1,022,500 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Feb 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
23 Jan 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
13 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
19 Feb 20264 days ago
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
GATESHEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
harrietdinkele@gateshead.gov.uk, procurement@gateshead.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
GATESHEAD
Postcode
NE8 1HH
Post Town
Newcastle upon Tyne
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC43 Tyneside
Delivery Location
TLC2 Northumberland, and Tyne and Wear

Local Authority
Gateshead
Electoral Ward
Bridges
Westminster Constituency
Gateshead Central and Whickham

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

CONNECTED VOICE

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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