Carers Support Service - Invitation to Tender

Cornwall Council and NHS Cornwall & Isles of Scilly ICB seek to procure an all-age, family focused, place-based and preventative Carers Support Service starting 1 July 2026.

The Service will deliver a place-based, whole-family model aligned to Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, combining:

· Core Carers Service: Community based Carer Advisors providing preventative support and access to information, advice and tailored support including assessments of need and personal budgets.

· Specialist Services: Dedicated provision for young carers, parent carers, carers of people with mental health support needs and support for people living with Dementia and their carers.

· Community Development: Managed through the Carer’s Prevention and Innovation Fund to build local capacity and pilot new initiatives.

This procurement relates to the delivery of the Carers Support Service (formerly referenced during early market engagement as the Informal Carers Support Service).

Lotting structure:

• Lot 1: Core Carers Service

• Lot 2: Young Carers

• Lot 3: Parent Carer Specialist Advisor

• Lot 4: Mental Health Carer Specialist Advisor

• Lot 5: Specialist Dementia Service

Suppliers may bid for one or more Lots.

The model focuses on prevention and early intervention, reducing crisis demand and ensuring carers of all ages are supported through information, advice, training, and statutory assessments where required.

Tender Submission Deadline: 12:00 on 26 April 2026.

The Procurement will follow the open procedure under section 20(2)(a) of the Procurement Act 2023 as a Light Touch Contract under section 8 and Schedule 1.

Estimated value: £20,149,267 over a maximum 7-year term (initial 3 years + 2 + 1 + 1 extensions).

Additional Information:

- The contract will include a clause allowing Commissioners to increase the Prevention and Innovation Fund annually, subject to budget availability and strategic alignment, without constituting a material change.

- All funding ring-fenced from the Carers Pooled Fund will be used for the benefit of Carers.

- The service will operate under an overarching partnership agreement to ensure a seamless offer for Carers.

- A Supplier Information session will be held via Microsoft teams at 2pm on 19 March 2026. Joining details are provided within the tender documents. The session will include an overview of the procurement process. Please note: There will be no opportunity to ask questions during the session. Presentation materials will be made available to all Suppliers via the Portal after the session.