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Framework and Services Agreement for the Provision of Agency Support for Cumberland Care

Cumberland Council

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Tender

14 Jul 2026 at 13:27

UK4 - Tender Notice
PlanningUpdate

25 Mar 2026 at 13:09

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

04 Mar 2026 at 10:48

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Cumberland Council is currently inviting tenders for a Framework and Services Agreement aimed at securing agency staff support for its Cumberland Care services in Carlisle, UK. This procurement, classified under the categories of nursing and social work services, is in the tender stage, with submissions needing to be completed by 10th August 2026. The initiative addresses staffing shortfalls in adult social care services, with the framework set to commence on 1st November 2026 and run for an initial term until 30th April 2029, delineating a gross contract value of £5.7 million. Notably, this is a closed framework, meaning suppliers have a single opportunity to join. The procurement is being conducted through an open procedure, and stakeholders should direct any clarification questions via The Chest portal.

This tender presents a substantial opportunity for organisations specialising in social care and nursing services to expand their market footprint within the public sector in the UK. Businesses well-suited for this contract include small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) with the capacity to provide qualified personnel across various care settings, such as residential homes, domiciliary care, and mental health support. The procurement encourages competition on both pricing and quality, with significant emphasis on social value, making it an appealing venture for companies looking to contribute positively to community welfare while growing their business relationships with government entities.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Framework and Services Agreement for the Provision of Agency Support for Cumberland Care

Notice Description

Cumberland Council is procuring a closed Framework for the Provision of Agency Support for Cumberland Care. Cumberland Council is implementing this Framework to address staffing shortfalls in its in-house adult social care services "Cumberland Care". This procurement will establish a closed Framework Agreement. Suppliers must note that there will only be one opportunity to join the Framework. Once the Framework is awarded, no further suppliers will be admitted during its term. Cumberland Care Services include: * Residential care homes * Reablement and domiciliary care * Supported living * Day services * Extra care housing * Shared Lives schemes These services support adults aged 18 and over who require care due to physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health needs, or age-related conditions, including dementia. The framework will enable the Council to recruit the following roles, but is not limited to; * Support Workers * Senior Support Workers * Registered Nurses The Provider must maintain sufficient capacity to respond to planned and urgent cover and ensure 24/7/365 contact. At Framework commencement, the Provider will supply a single telephone number and single mailbox for all requests and escalations. The provider will deliver services across the Cumberland Council area. Services will be available throughout the year, including days, evenings, nights (also, staff may be required on a waking night and sleeping night basis), weekends and Bank Holidays, as required. Demand will be variable and depend on need. The council proposes to enter into the contract for an initial term of 30 months with the successful tenderer(s). There are no optional extensions available. If the contract runs for the initial term only it will end on 30th April 2029. The contract value for the initial term is PS4750000 excluding VAT. The contract value for the initial term, potential uplifts is PS4750000 excluding VAT. This figure is indicative only as the uplifts are not guaranteed. If the council implements uplift, this will be confirmed with the successful suppliers in advance.

Planning Information

Cumberland Council is looking to engage with providers with capacity and the required skills to engage agency staff to maintain safe staffing levels, ensure continuity of care, and uphold regulatory obligations. Agency staffing provides flexibility to respond quickly to short-term gaps and helps safeguard the wellbeing of customers when internal resources cannot meet demand. The session will be held via Teams. For further details and to access the joining information use our online procurement portal, The Chest https://www.the-chest.org.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0661d4
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066179-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

79624000 - Supply services of nursing personnel

85300000 - Social work and related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£4,750,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£4,750,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Jul 20262 months ago
Submission Deadline
12 Aug 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Nov 2026 - 30 Apr 2029 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Cumberland 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
CARLISLE
Postcode
CA1 1RD
Postcode Area
Carlisle
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD1 Cumbria
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD13 Cumberland
Delivery Location
TLD1 Cumbria
Local Authority
Cumberland
Electoral Ward
Castle
Westminster Constituency
Carlisle

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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