This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

28 Jul 2026 at 15:50

Tender

04 Jun 2026 at 12:32

Summary of the contracting process

Durham County Council has awarded a contract titled "Regulation 44 Visits by an Independent Person" for services related to health and social work, specifically the independent assessment of community children's homes within the county, to ensure compliance with the Children's Homes Regulations 2015. This project, vital for maintaining high standards of care for vulnerable children, involves Durham's 15 Community Children's Homes and the Aycliffe Secure Centre, with the potential expansion of up to five more homes. The procurement process followed an open procedure under a light-touch regime and concluded with the award on 28th July 2026, post tender submissions that closed on 6th July 2026. The contract, valued at over £1 million, begins on 1st September 2026 and runs through to 31st August 2031, with options for renewal. The successful supplier, The National Youth Advocacy Service, will perform the essential role of conducting monthly independent assessments.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in consultancy, compliance, and health services, particularly those specialising in social care and the welfare of children. SMEs with expertise in service delivery, quality assurance, and performance monitoring in similar sectors would find this contract fitting, given the technical weighting of 70% for these aspects. Flexibility and adaptability for potential contract modifications are key, as the Council plans to develop additional facilities requiring similar assessments. Companies experienced in safeguarding, UK GDPR compliance, and those capable of managing the complexities of TUPE and additional procurement resolutions would be particularly advantageous in capitalising on this contract to bolster their growth within public sector service provisions.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Regulation 44 Visits by an Independent Person

Notice Description

This contract is for Regulation 44 Visits by an Independent Person. The Community Children's Homes maintained by Durham County Council provide support and care for some of our most vulnerable children. Durham County Council is committed to be the best parent we can be for Children in our Care and strives to ensure that we deliver support and care that is as good as every good parent. In addition to this we also host Aycliffe Secure Centre within County Durham for both male and females who have been admitted by courts or councils on a welfare and youth custody basis, this may be due to a risk to themselves or others or because there is a concern about involvement with criminal activities. The Children's Homes Regulations 2015 (Regulation 44) require all providers of Children's Residential Homes, to secure monthly visits (as a minimum) by an Independent Person to undertake a rigorous and impartial assessment of the home's arrangements for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in the home's care. There are currently 15 Community Children's Homes maintained by Durham County Council, including a Short Breaks Service and a Step-Down from Secure home. Each of these homes requires monthly Regulation 44 visits conducted by an Independent Person. In addition, Aycliffe Secure Centre comprises a further five homes. Over the course of the contract, the Council plans to develop up to five additional Community Children's Homes. It is anticipated that the scope and value of the contract will be adjusted accordingly as each new home is developed and registered with Ofsted, ensuring ongoing compliance with Regulation 44 requirements. The view of the Council is that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) will apply to this contract. However, Bidders should seek their own legal advice as to the applicability of TUPE and as to the effect of the TUPE clause contained in the contract Terms and Conditions.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: The number of homes may increase / decrease over the life of the contract and the successful organisation requires flexibility to this contract to accommodate this. Over the course of the contract, the Council plans to develop up to five additional Community Children's Homes. It is anticipated that the scope and value of the contract will be adjusted accordingly as each new home is developed and registered with Ofsted, ensuring ongoing compliance with Regulation 44 requirements. The separate governance arrangements for the Secure Centre and Community Children's Homes may need to be reviewed when considering any contract extension. In particular, a decision may be made as to whether it remains appropriate for a single contract to continue covering both services, or whether they should be commissioned separately to better reflect their distinct operational and regulatory frameworks.

Renewal: 3 periods of 12 months each subject to commissioner and budget approval

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06ad88
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071426-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
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
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

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
£1,060,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,060,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£1,060,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
6 Jul 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
27 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
2034-01-02

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DURHAM COUNTY 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
DURHAM
Postcode
DH1 5WB
Post Town
Durham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC41 Durham
Delivery Location
TLC14 Durham

Local Authority
County Durham
Electoral Ward
Framwellgate and Newton Hall
Westminster Constituency
City of Durham

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

THE NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCACY SERVICE

Further Information

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06ad88-2026-07-28T16:50:51+01:00",
    "date": "2026-07-28T16:50:51+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06ad88",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PMPB-8772-VYWM",
            "name": "Durham County Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PMPB-8772-VYWM"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Corten House, Dunholme Close",
                "locality": "Durham",
                "postalCode": "DH1 5WB",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKC14"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "corporate.procurement@durham.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.durham.gov.uk/",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-02722134",
            "name": "THE NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCACY SERVICE",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "02722134"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PYDW-5632-RRWZ"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Units 1 - 4 Priory Mews",
                "locality": "Birkenhead",
                "postalCode": "CH41 5AZ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKD74"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "tenders@nyas.net"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.nyas.net",
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PMPB-8772-VYWM",
        "name": "Durham County Council"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "003404",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Regulation 44 Visits by an Independent Person",
        "description": "This contract is for Regulation 44 Visits by an Independent Person. The Community Children's Homes maintained by Durham County Council provide support and care for some of our most vulnerable children. Durham County Council is committed to be the best parent we can be for Children in our Care and strives to ensure that we deliver support and care that is as good as every good parent. In addition to this we also host Aycliffe Secure Centre within County Durham for both male and females who have been admitted by courts or councils on a welfare and youth custody basis, this may be due to a risk to themselves or others or because there is a concern about involvement with criminal activities. The Children's Homes Regulations 2015 (Regulation 44) require all providers of Children's Residential Homes, to secure monthly visits (as a minimum) by an Independent Person to undertake a rigorous and impartial assessment of the home's arrangements for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in the home's care. There are currently 15 Community Children's Homes maintained by Durham County Council, including a Short Breaks Service and a Step-Down from Secure home. Each of these homes requires monthly Regulation 44 visits conducted by an Independent Person. In addition, Aycliffe Secure Centre comprises a further five homes. Over the course of the contract, the Council plans to develop up to five additional Community Children's Homes. It is anticipated that the scope and value of the contract will be adjusted accordingly as each new home is developed and registered with Ofsted, ensuring ongoing compliance with Regulation 44 requirements. The view of the Council is that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) will apply to this contract. However, Bidders should seek their own legal advice as to the applicability of TUPE and as to the effect of the TUPE clause contained in the contract Terms and Conditions.",
        "status": "complete",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85000000",
                        "description": "Health and social work services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC14",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 1272000,
            "amount": 1060000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "specialRegime": [
            "lightTouch"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "www.open-uk.org",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-07-06T10:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-07-17T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 1272000,
                    "amount": 1060000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "weightingDescription": "Contract Specific Essential - Pass/Fail *Safeguarding (Including E-Safety) & Prevent Policies and Procedures *Right to Work in the UK *Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) *Data Protection - ICO Registration *UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) *Lone Working, Violence and Aggression *IT Policies and Practices *Transfer of Undertaking (Protections of Employment) Regulations Technical Questions - Total Weighting 70% Service Delivery 30% weighting Quality Assurance 20% weighting Performance Monitoring 20% weighting Pricing - Total Weighting 30%",
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Technical Questions"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2031-08-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2034-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "3 periods of 12 months each subject to commissioner and budget approval"
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "The number of homes may increase / decrease over the life of the contract and the successful organisation requires flexibility to this contract to accommodate this. Over the course of the contract, the Council plans to develop up to five additional Community Children's Homes. It is anticipated that the scope and value of the contract will be adjusted accordingly as each new home is developed and registered with Ofsted, ensuring ongoing compliance with Regulation 44 requirements. The separate governance arrangements for the Secure Centre and Community Children's Homes may need to be reviewed when considering any contract extension. In particular, a decision may be made as to whether it remains appropriate for a single contract to continue covering both services, or whether they should be commissioned separately to better reflect their distinct operational and regulatory frameworks."
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "052811-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/052811-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-06-04T13:32:11+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "recurrence": {
            "dates": [
                {
                    "startDate": "2034-01-02T23:59:59Z"
                }
            ]
        }
    },
    "language": "en",
    "bids": {
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 4,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 3,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 3,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "status": "pending",
            "date": "2026-07-28T00:00:00+01:00",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 1272000,
                "amount": 1060000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-02722134",
                    "name": "THE NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCACY SERVICE"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "85000000",
                            "description": "Health and social work services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKC14",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2026-08-07T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2031-08-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2034-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "3 periods of 12 months each subject to commissioner and budget approval"
            },
            "hasOptions": true,
            "options": {
                "description": "The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid. The number of homes may increase / decrease over the life of the contract and the successful organisation requires flexibility to this contract to accommodate this. Over the course of the contract, the Council plans to develop up to five additional Community Children's Homes. It is anticipated that the scope and value of the contract will be adjusted accordingly as each new home is developed and registered with Ofsted, ensuring ongoing compliance with Regulation 44 requirements. The separate governance arrangements for the Secure Centre and Community Children's Homes may need to be reviewed when considering any contract extension. In particular, a decision may be made as to whether it remains appropriate for a single contract to continue covering both services, or whether they should be commissioned separately to better reflect their distinct operational and regulatory frameworks."
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "071426-2026",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071426-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-07-28T16:50:51+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2026-07-28T00:00:00+01:00",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2026-08-15T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}