This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

10 Jul 2026 at 09:38

Summary of the contracting process

Trafford Council is currently in the planning stage of its procurement process for a Homelessness Prevention Mediation Service, with a focus on early intervention to prevent homelessness driven by family and friend exclusions. The initiative falls under the industry category of social work and related services, and will be based in the North West of England, specifically Manchester (region UKD34), with the contract set to commence in April 2027. The soft market testing phase is underway, with a deadline for interested suppliers to submit the required forms and short questionnaire by 3rd August 2026. Planning to progress to the tender stage is anticipated by October 2026, and the final procurement closing date is January 2027, with results expected in February 2027. The procurement process aligns with the legal framework of the UK Public General Act of 2023.

This tender presents a promising opportunity for businesses specialising in social services, particularly those focused on homelessness prevention and mediation. SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) are encouraged to participate, as the contract is suitable for these types of entities. Engaging in this procurement process allows potential service providers to influence the development of the service solution during the soft market testing phase. By participating, businesses can showcase their expertise and establish a relationship with Trafford Council, which may lead to further collaborative opportunities in the long-term provision of social services in the region.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Homelessness Prevention Mediation Service

Notice Description

Trafford Council is seeking to engage with providers to explore the development of a targeted Homelessness Prevention Mediation Service, with a strong focus on early intervention to prevent homelessness arising from family and friend exclusions. This is not a call for competition. No information provided in response to this pre-market testing exercise will be used in any evaluation of any subsequent response to a procurement exercise.

Planning Information

The Soft Market Test is intended to allow interested organisations with relevant experience to outline their views and provide information with no commitment to themselves or the Council. The Council is looking to award a contract commencing April 2027. It is further envisaged that the initial contract would be for a period of 1 year with optional extensions. During the Soft Market Test, we would like to gauge the level of interest. Stage 1 - Interested suppliers are required to complete the following company information form and a short questionnaire (at appendix 1). Suppliers who complete and return the questionnaire may be invited to meet with Council representatives to discuss its requirements. The questionnaire should be returned via The Chest - https://www.the-chest.org.uk/ by August 3rd, 2026. Stage of the project Anticipated deadline Soft market testing July 2026 Progress to tender October 2026 Closing date for suppliers to have submitted documents January 2027 Result of Procurement Process February 2027 Contract Start Date April 2027

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c83e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065035-2026
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

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

85300000 - Social work and related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Jul 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Oct 20263 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TRAFFORD 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
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M32 0TH
Post Town
Manchester
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
TLD3 Greater Manchester

Local Authority
Trafford
Electoral Ward
Gorse Hill & Cornbrook
Westminster Constituency
Stretford and Urmston

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.

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