Cheshire East Council has published a preliminary market engagement notice for a future supported living and community or outreach framework for adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs and autism. At this stage, this is not a tender. It is a market engagement exercise to bring provider insight into how the future model is shaped.
For providers, this is a valuable opportunity to influence how the authority approaches scope, outcomes and delivery expectations.
What is Cheshire East planning?
The notice signals a future framework covering supported living and community or outreach provision. The estimated total value is £350m, with estimated contract dates of 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032.
The notice also highlights particular suitability for SMEs and VCSE providers, which suggests the council expects a diverse provider market to participate.
Key dates and event details
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Engagement deadline: 27 February 2026
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Provider engagement event: Tuesday 3 March 2026, 10:30am–1:00pm
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Venue: Macclesfield Town Hall (SK10 1EA)
What the council is asking providers to contribute
Cheshire East frames the event as a chance for providers to share experiences and insights and to help shape the future of supported living and community services.
This is a different style of engagement from more commercially framed events. The best contributions here are usually:
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Real delivery insight (what works, what fails, why)
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Practical suggestions for sustainable staffing and continuity
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Outcomes and quality measures that are meaningful for service users
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Market capacity realities and mobilisation constraints
How to prepare (so the event is worth your time)
If you are sending someone to attend, it helps to send the person who can talk confidently about delivery realities, not only procurement.
Suggested “bring with you” prompts
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2–3 short case studies showing outcomes delivered in supported living or outreach
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Your view on the right balance between outcomes, compliance and flexibility
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A short list of commissioning questions you need answered to price and mobilise safely
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One proposal for how the council could structure lots or service pathways to widen access for specialist providers
How Thornton & Lowe can help
Thornton & Lowe can help providers translate engagement activity into tender readiness by:
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Turning your engagement feedback into a clear positioning narrative
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Building an evidence library now (policies, procedures, safeguarding, outcomes, workforce)
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Preparing your future bid plan so you can move quickly when the tender is published
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a tender?
No. This is a preliminary market engagement notice only.
When is the provider event?
Tuesday 3 March 2026, 10:30am–1:00pm in Macclesfield.
What is the engagement deadline?
27 February 2026.
