Planning

Women's Health Market Engagement

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

19 Jan 2026 at 13:03

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) is currently in the planning stage of its procurement process for a market engagement focused on improving women's health outcomes in the UK. The initiative falls under the services category and primarily caters to voluntary, community, social enterprise (VCSE), and private sector organisations. A virtual Market Engagement and Q&A event is scheduled for 3rd February 2026, which requires interested parties to register by completing a questionnaire by 28th January 2026. The opportunity seeks collaboration in enhancing women's access to healthcare, addressing systemic barriers, and improving overall health experiences.

The tender offers significant growth opportunities, particularly for businesses involved in health services, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and information systems. Organisations specialising in personal care products or with a focus on innovative, health-tech solutions stand to benefit. This process is well-suited for SMEs and VCSE entities that have a stake in medical services or are interested in contributing to public health strategies, presenting a platform to partner with a key government department to address critical health disparities among women in the UK.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Women's Health Market Engagement

Notice Description

In March 2026, to support the renewal of England's women's health strategy, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is exploring collaboration opportunities with stakeholders from: * the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) and * private sector organisations interested in supporting the improvement of women's health outcomes, to help overcome some of the barriers preventing women from accessing support, engaging with services and having a positive experience of healthcare. DHSC is interested in exploring how industry and government can better work together to achieve its strategic ambitions for women's health. The purpose of this market engagement is to announce that DHSC will also be hosting a virtual Market Engagement event with a Q&A on the 3rd February 2026 to facilitate a conversation around what organisations are doing, or interested in doing, to support the women's health agenda. To be eligible to attend this event you must be a VCSE or private sector organisation interested in improving health outcomes for women. DHSC also ask any party linked or interested in women's health to complete a short questionnaire asking them about what they feel are potential areas of opportunities for collaboration, as well as any work they are undertaking to improve women's health. This questionnaire is purely for information purposes and will not form part of the assessment of those organisations that DHSC may collaborate with for its Women's Health Strategy

Planning Information

In March 2026, to support the renewal of England’s women’s health strategy, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is exploring collaboration opportunities with stakeholders from: • the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) and • private sector organisations interested in supporting the improvement of women’s health outcomes, to help overcome some of the barriers preventing women from accessing support, engaging with services and having a positive experience of healthcare. DHSC is interested in exploring how industry and government can better work together to achieve its strategic ambitions for women’s health. The purpose of this market engagement is to announce that DHSC will also be hosting a virtual Market Engagement event with a Q&A on the 3rd February 2026 to facilitate a conversation around what organisations are doing, or interested in doing, to support the women’s health agenda. To be eligible to attend this event you must be a VCSE or private sector organisation interested in improving health outcomes for women. DHSC also ask any party linked or interested in women’s health to complete a short questionnaire asking them about what they feel are potential areas of opportunities for collaboration, as well as any work they are undertaking to improve women’s health. This questionnaire is purely for information purposes and will not form part of the assessment of those organisations that DHSC may collaborate with for its Women’s Health Strategy. In the event that that there are a significant number of organisations that meet the eligibility criteria for the event, DHSC reserve the right to run more than one virtual event dictated by organisation type/ interest area. Background Women in the UK live longer than men but spend more of their lives in poor health and disability. They face a range of challenges across their reproductive lifespan—from puberty to menopause—including conditions such as endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and severe menstrual pain. Many do not know when to seek medical help, and those who do often have their symptoms dismissed or normalised. As women age, menopause-related changes increase risks such as osteoporosis, frailty, and obesity related cancers. Women are also disproportionately affected by long-term sickness: around 1.5 million are out of the workforce, largely due to mental health, MSK, and cardiovascular conditions, which affect them differently or more severely than men. Broader health inequalities—linked to long-term conditions, nutrition, and lifestyle—further contribute to poorer outcomes. These issues are reinforced by systemic barriers: women often lack the knowledge and confidence to navigate their health needs, and their concerns are not always taken seriously. As a result, they face challenges accessing support, engaging with services, and experiencing positive care. DHSC is interested in collaborating with private sector and VCSE organisations to explore opportunities to address and overcome some of these issues impacting womens health. Market Engagement Opportunity The virtual Market Engagement and Q&A event will be held on the 3rd February 2026. To register your interest please follow this link to complete the questionnaire: https://forms.office.com/e/DTZrYcrhVe Joining instructions will be sent to eligible organisations who indicate via the questionnaire that they would like to attend. The deadline for responses is 12pm on Wednesday 28th January. Since this is neither a call for competition nor a procurement, for administrative and technical reasons, it's been assigned a nominal monetary value of £1. If you have any challenges in registering for the event or have specific questions around the market engagement, please contact womenshealthpartnerships@dhsc.gov.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0608ad
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/004335-2026
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

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

48 - Software package and information systems

85 - Health and social work services

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

CPV Codes

33000000 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

33771100 - Sanitary towels or tampons

48000000 - Software package and information systems

85100000 - Health services

85140000 - Miscellaneous health services

85149000 - Pharmacy services

92600000 - Sporting services

92622000 - Sports-event organisation services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Jan 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
28 Jan 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
20 Jan 2026 - 28 Jan 2026 30 days
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
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
womenshealthpartnerships@dhsc.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1H 0EU
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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. 

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-0608ad-2026-01-19T13:03:48Z",
    "date": "2026-01-19T13:03:48Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-0608ad",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PMQG-9965-CHZR",
            "name": "Department of Health & Social Care",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PMQG-9965-CHZR"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "39 Victoria Street",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "SW1H 0EU",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI32"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "womenshealthpartnerships@dhsc.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PMQG-9965-CHZR",
        "name": "Department of Health & Social Care"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "In March 2026, to support the renewal of England's women's health strategy, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is exploring collaboration opportunities with stakeholders from: * the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) and * private sector organisations interested in supporting the improvement of women's health outcomes, to help overcome some of the barriers preventing women from accessing support, engaging with services and having a positive experience of healthcare. DHSC is interested in exploring how industry and government can better work together to achieve its strategic ambitions for women's health. The purpose of this market engagement is to announce that DHSC will also be hosting a virtual Market Engagement event with a Q&A on the 3rd February 2026 to facilitate a conversation around what organisations are doing, or interested in doing, to support the women's health agenda. To be eligible to attend this event you must be a VCSE or private sector organisation interested in improving health outcomes for women. DHSC also ask any party linked or interested in women's health to complete a short questionnaire asking them about what they feel are potential areas of opportunities for collaboration, as well as any work they are undertaking to improve women's health. This questionnaire is purely for information purposes and will not form part of the assessment of those organisations that DHSC may collaborate with for its Women's Health Strategy. In the event that that there are a significant number of organisations that meet the eligibility criteria for the event, DHSC reserve the right to run more than one virtual event dictated by organisation type/ interest area. Background Women in the UK live longer than men but spend more of their lives in poor health and disability. They face a range of challenges across their reproductive lifespan--from puberty to menopause--including conditions such as endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and severe menstrual pain. Many do not know when to seek medical help, and those who do often have their symptoms dismissed or normalised. As women age, menopause-related changes increase risks such as osteoporosis, frailty, and obesity related cancers. Women are also disproportionately affected by long-term sickness: around 1.5 million are out of the workforce, largely due to mental health, MSK, and cardiovascular conditions, which affect them differently or more severely than men. Broader health inequalities--linked to long-term conditions, nutrition, and lifestyle--further contribute to poorer outcomes. These issues are reinforced by systemic barriers: women often lack the knowledge and confidence to navigate their health needs, and their concerns are not always taken seriously. As a result, they face challenges accessing support, engaging with services, and experiencing positive care. DHSC is interested in collaborating with private sector and VCSE organisations to explore opportunities to address and overcome some of these issues impacting womens health. Market Engagement Opportunity The virtual Market Engagement and Q&A event will be held on the 3rd February 2026. To register your interest please follow this link to complete the questionnaire: https://forms.office.com/e/DTZrYcrhVe Joining instructions will be sent to eligible organisations who indicate via the questionnaire that they would like to attend. The deadline for responses is 12pm on Wednesday 28th January. Since this is neither a call for competition nor a procurement, for administrative and technical reasons, it's been assigned a nominal monetary value of PS1. If you have any challenges in registering for the event or have specific questions around the market engagement, please contact womenshealthpartnerships@dhsc.gov.uk",
                "dueDate": "2026-01-28T23:59:59Z",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "004335-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/004335-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-01-19T13:03:48Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "C406014",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Women's Health Market Engagement",
        "description": "In March 2026, to support the renewal of England's women's health strategy, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is exploring collaboration opportunities with stakeholders from: * the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) and * private sector organisations interested in supporting the improvement of women's health outcomes, to help overcome some of the barriers preventing women from accessing support, engaging with services and having a positive experience of healthcare. DHSC is interested in exploring how industry and government can better work together to achieve its strategic ambitions for women's health. The purpose of this market engagement is to announce that DHSC will also be hosting a virtual Market Engagement event with a Q&A on the 3rd February 2026 to facilitate a conversation around what organisations are doing, or interested in doing, to support the women's health agenda. To be eligible to attend this event you must be a VCSE or private sector organisation interested in improving health outcomes for women. DHSC also ask any party linked or interested in women's health to complete a short questionnaire asking them about what they feel are potential areas of opportunities for collaboration, as well as any work they are undertaking to improve women's health. This questionnaire is purely for information purposes and will not form part of the assessment of those organisations that DHSC may collaborate with for its Women's Health Strategy",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "33000000",
                        "description": "Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "33771100",
                        "description": "Sanitary towels or tampons"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "48000000",
                        "description": "Software package and information systems"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85149000",
                        "description": "Pharmacy services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85100000",
                        "description": "Health services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "92622000",
                        "description": "Sports-event organisation services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "92600000",
                        "description": "Sporting services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85140000",
                        "description": "Miscellaneous health services"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 1.2,
            "amount": 1,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": false,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-01-20T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2026-01-28T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "status": "planning"
            }
        ],
        "status": "planning"
    },
    "language": "en"
}