Social Care Procurement: A Provider's Guide

Social care procurement is run largely by local authorities, commissioning home care, residential and nursing placements, supported living and reablement at very large scale. It overlaps with health at the edges, reablement, occupational therapy and continuing healthcare, making it relevant to many health suppliers too.

How social care is commissioned

• Frameworks and DPS for home care and supported living, providers onboard then win call-offs
• Block and spot contracts for residential/nursing placements
• Section 75 / joint arrangements where the NHS and councils commission together

What commissioners look for

• CQC registration and rating, a baseline requirement
• Workforce stability, pay and training in a high-turnover sector
• Outcomes and safeguarding track record
• Social value and local employment commitments

Finding social care tenders

Most appear on Contracts Finder and individual council portals, with higher-value framework tenders on Find a Tender. The health-adjacent parts (reablement, OT) also surface in occupational therapy contracts.

Frequently asked questions

Who commissions most social care?

Local authority adult social care teams, often jointly with the NHS for health-adjacent services like reablement and continuing healthcare.

Is CQC registration required to bid?

For regulated activities, yes, CQC registration and a reasonable rating are typically baseline requirements.