Planning

Soft Market Testing - Reg 44 Inspections

ST HELENS COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

11 Dec 2025 at 15:33

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

St Helens Council is currently in the planning stage for a procurement process titled "Soft Market Testing - Reg 44 Inspections." This process falls under the services industry, specifically health and social work services, and is aimed at sourcing an Independent Regulation 44 Visitor Service. Located in St Helens, United Kingdom (UKD71), the council seeks to expand its Regulation 44 inspections from two to five children's homes, with a potential sixth home anticipated. Key procurement dates include a soft market testing deadline set for 23rd December 2025. The procurement is part of a light-touch regime and the contract period is expected to run from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2029. Star Procurement is supporting as the procuring entity, and the main contact email for potential providers is procurement@star-procurement.gov.uk.

This tender represents a promising opportunity for businesses specialising in health and social work services, particularly those with expertise in regulatory inspections or services for children's homes. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), are encouraged to participate, given the suitability criteria laid out. With a contract value of £17,700, this tender offers a chance for businesses to engage with a governmental body and potentially expand service offerings to meet increasing demands within the region. Participation in the soft market testing phase could provide valuable insights into the procurement requirements and help businesses position themselves competitively for the upcoming tender.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Soft Market Testing - Reg 44 Inspections

Notice Description

St Helens Council is undertaking soft market testing ahead of a forthcoming procurement for an Independent Regulation 44 Visitor Service. The Council currently commissions Regulation 44 inspections for two of its children's homes. However, due to recent service expansion, Regulation 44 inspections are now required for five children's homes, with a potential sixth home expected to open in the near future. Further expansion of provision is also possible during the lifetime of the contract.

Planning Information

Providers will be asked to complete a Soft Market Testing Document

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f422
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/082131-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

85000000 - Health and social work services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£17,700 Under £100K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
23 Dec 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ST HELENS COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

STAR PROCUREMENT

Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@star-procurement.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
ST HELENS
Postcode
WA10 1HP
Post Town
Warrington
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD34 Greater Manchester South West
Delivery Location
TLD7 Merseyside
Local Authority
Trafford
Electoral Ward
Sale Central
Westminster Constituency
Wythenshawe and Sale East

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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