NHS Supply Chain, via Supply Chain Coordination Limited, has published a pipeline notice for the Aids for Daily Living 2027 Framework Agreement. With an estimated total value of £36 million including VAT, a four-year potential duration and a planned tender publication date of 21 May 2026, this framework presents an important upcoming opportunity for suppliers of community equipment and daily living aids.
The framework is intended to support independence in the home and enable timely discharge from hospital to home, making it strategically important for suppliers working across health, social care and community services.
What Is the Aids for Daily Living 2027 Framework?
The Aids for Daily Living 2027 framework will establish a national route to market for the supply of a wide range of equipment designed to support people to live independently.
The scope includes, but is not limited to:
- Bathing aids such as bath boards, shower chairs and grab rails
- Toileting aids including commodes and raised toilet seats
- Bedroom aids such as bed rails and transfer equipment
- Home and kitchen aids including perching stools
- Mobility aids such as crutches, walking frames and rollators
- Spare parts for walking aids
- Paediatric equipment including standing aids and mobility supports
- A managed service element supporting Community Equipment Loan Services
The framework will also actively promote circular economy principles, including refurbishment, repair and reuse of equipment, aligning with wider NHS sustainability objectives.
Who Should Be Looking at This Framework?
The pipeline notice confirms that the framework is particularly suitable for:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs)
This makes Aids for Daily Living 2027 especially relevant to manufacturers, distributors, service providers and specialist organisations that may not typically compete on larger NHS frameworks but have strong, niche capability.
Aids for Daily Living 2027 Procurement Timeline
Early pipeline visibility gives suppliers a clear opportunity to prepare well in advance. Based on the published notice, the indicative timeline is as follows.
Indicative Procurement Timeline
Stage | Estimated timing | What suppliers should be doing |
Pipeline notice published | 19 December 2025 | Initial opportunity review and strategic assessment |
Market engagement | Late 2025 to early 2026 (expected) | Monitor engagement activity and refine positioning |
Tender notice published | 21 May 2026 (estimated) | Final bid decision and mobilisation |
Evaluation and award | Mid to late 2026 (indicative) | Manage submissions, clarifications and quality assurance |
Framework award | Ahead of November 2027 | Prepare for operational readiness |
Framework live | 1 November 2027 | Begin competing for call-off orders |
Initial framework term | 1 November 2027 to 31 October 2029 | Ongoing supply and performance management |
Possible extension | To 31 October 2031 | Continued delivery subject to extension |
This timeline means that now is the moment to address compliance, evidence and operational readiness before the tender is published.
Why Early Preparation Matters
Although the total value of the framework is more modest than some national NHS agreements, competition is still expected to be strong. Suppliers will need to demonstrate:
- Compliance with NHS procurement and governance requirements
- Product quality, safety and regulatory standards
- Ability to support community equipment services at scale
- Environmental and sustainability credentials
- Reliable logistics, repair and managed service capability
Leaving preparation until the tender is released often results in rushed responses, weak evidence and avoidable compliance issues.
How Thornton & Lowe Can Support Suppliers Bidding for Aids for Daily Living 2027
Thornton & Lowe works with suppliers across healthcare, medical equipment and public sector supply chains to improve bid outcomes and reduce risk.
Framework Strategy and Readiness Reviews
We help organisations assess whether Aids for Daily Living 2027 is the right framework opportunity, identify likely lots and shape a clear bid strategy.
Bid Writing and Tender Support
Our bid writing team supports suppliers through selection and award stages, ensuring responses are clear, compliant and aligned to NHS evaluation criteria.
SME and VCSE-Focused Support
For SMEs and VCSEs, we provide proportionate, practical support, helping strengthen governance, policies and evidence without unnecessary complexity.
Tender Pipeline Monitoring
Through Tender Pipeline, suppliers can track updates to this framework and related NHS opportunities, helping inform wider pipeline planning.
Bid Training and Capability Building
We also support internal teams through bid writing training and mentoring, improving long-term confidence and consistency.
Sustainability and the Circular Economy Focus
A key differentiator of this framework is its explicit alignment with circular economy principles. Suppliers should expect evaluation to consider:
- Refurbishment and reuse models
- Repair and maintenance capability
- Waste reduction and responsible disposal
- Broader environmental impact
Suppliers that can clearly evidence sustainable practices will be well positioned.
Making the Framework Work After Award
As with all frameworks, success does not end at appointment. The ability to secure call-off work and deliver consistently will determine long-term value.
Thornton & Lowe also supports suppliers with call-off strategies, pricing reviews and framework performance improvement, helping ensure the framework delivers meaningful commercial return.
Final Thoughts
Aids for Daily Living 2027 is a strategically important framework for suppliers supporting independence, community care and hospital discharge. The published pipeline and timeline make it clear that early preparation is both possible and advisable.
If you are considering bidding and want to strengthen your approach, Thornton & Lowe can support you from early pipeline planning through to framework delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Aids for Daily Living 2027 tender expected to be published?
The estimated publication date is 21 May 2026.
Who can bid for this framework?
The framework is suitable for SMEs and VCSEs supplying daily living aids, equipment and associated services.
What is the estimated value of the framework?
£36 million including VAT over the potential four-year duration.
How can Thornton & Lowe help?
Support includes framework strategy, bid writing, Tender Pipeline access, training and post-award support.
