Gloucestershire County Council’s proposed SHaRe Framework could create an important route to market for organisations supporting children, young people and families. Standing for Support, Help and Resources, the framework is expected to bring together services including short breaks, disability support, holiday activities, inclusive community provision, crisis resilience and access to resources.
If you are a provider considering participation, Thornton & Lowe can rapidly assess whether this framework merits your investment of time and resource. For fast, expert advice, contact our team today.
What the SHaRe Framework is expected to cover
The notice describes a future framework that will combine several service areas currently relevant to children, young people and families. These include short breaks, floating support for children and young people with disabilities, Holiday Activities and Food provision, inclusive services, the Crisis and Resilience Fund and access to resources.
This means the supplier audience is wider than traditional social care providers. It may include voluntary and community organisations, activity providers, disability support services, inclusive sports and leisure providers, family support organisations and specialist providers working with children and young people.
Key details
- Buyer: Gloucestershire County Council
- Estimated value: approximately £107.7m excluding VAT
- Procurement stage: pre-tender engagement
- Engagement activity: supplier Q&A sessions and specification focus groups during June and early July 2026
- Visit the Find a Tender notice
Why engagement matters
Because this is a pre-tender engagement stage, suppliers have an opportunity to understand the proposed structure before the formal procurement is released. Engagement can help providers identify which service areas they are suited to, whether partnership working is needed and how the council is thinking about outcomes, accessibility and service coverage.
Thornton & Lowe’s guide to health and social care tenders explains the importance of outcome-led evidence, safeguarding, mobilisation and service user impact. Those themes are particularly relevant for a framework that brings together provision for children, young people and families.
Preparation points for suppliers
Suppliers should start by mapping their services to the proposed SHaRe areas. A provider delivering holiday activities may need different evidence from an organisation delivering floating disability support or crisis resilience services. Trying to present a single generic offer across all areas could weaken the response.
Useful preparation areas include:
- safeguarding policies and staff training evidence;
- case studies showing positive outcomes for children, young people or families;
- evidence of inclusive provision and accessibility;
- partnership working with schools, families, community groups and local services;
- mobilisation plans for seasonal, community-based or specialist support activity.
Final thoughts
The SHaRe Framework is a strong opportunity for providers that can evidence safe, inclusive and outcome-led services for children, young people and families. Thornton & Lowe can help you interpret the opportunity, prepare your evidence and build a response that reflects the value of your service.
Our team offers tailored, in-depth support for healthcare and social care providers. Contact us now for a discussion on your SHaRe Framework strategy and get ahead of the competition.
