Provision of a Fitness to Practise Emotional Support Line

Social Work EnglandcontractFind a TenderRef ocds-h6vhtk-066bbfProcurement Act 2023SME suitableVCSE suitableactive
View buyer

Estimated value

Awarded value

£290k

Awarded 23 Apr 2026

Suppliers

1

1 SME

Lots

1

1 awarded

Published

27 Apr 2026

Description

Social Work England is looking to contract with an external Service Provider ("the Successful Bidder") to deliver an emotional support service to those affected by fitness to practise proceedings. The Successful Bidder will be required to deliver the service in full compliance with the specification, standards and Terms & Conditions. Social Work England requires an emotional support service for social workers, witnesses and complainants (those that raise fitness to practise concerns) and others affected by the fitness to practise process.

Scope

Reference
SWE10617
Commercial tool
Standalone contract
Contract dates
17 May 2026 to 17 May 2029
Possible extension to 17 May 2031

A maximum of 5 years. 3 years and up to two 12-month extensions.

CPV classifications
85312300
85312310
85312320
Contract locations
UK, United Kingdom
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Award criteria

Criteria the buyer will use to evaluate bids.

NameDescriptionTypeWeighting
Qualityquality55.00%
Priceprice40.00%
Interview stagequality5.00%

Participation

Conditions suppliers must meet to bid.

N/A

1. The bidder must demonstrate a minimum of three (3) years' experience in delivering helpline or counselling services, preferably within environments involving professional regulation, fitness to practise, or other similarly sensitive investigative contexts. 2. The bidder must confirm that the service operates established policies and procedures for supporting individuals experiencing significant stress, anxiety, or suicidal ideation. 3. The bidder must confirm that the service has the operational capacity to provide nationwide coverage across England, including sufficient staffing levels and appropriate technological infrastructure. 4. The bidder must confirm that all employees delivering the service hold current training in safeguarding, suicide prevention, and the management of trauma related calls.

Submission & procedure

Procedure
Competitive flexible procedure

Award details

Awarded supplier(s), contract period and value as published in the award notice.

Awarded value

£290k

Award date

23 Apr 2026

Contract start

31 May 2026

Contract end

31 May 2029

Awarded to