The Light Touch Open Framework for Accommodation and Support 16+ Pathway, branded as 'My Future, My Way', represents a significant opportunity for supported accommodation and social care providers across the UK. With an estimated value of £162 million including VAT and a scheme running until August 2036, this framework, issued by Devon County Council, is designed to commission a wide range of accommodation with support for individuals aged 16 and over. For any provider specialising in supported accommodation, community-based services, or innovative care models, this is a strategic route to major public sector work over the next decade.
If you're considering bidding, contact Thornton & Lowe for an expert, no-obligation bid review. We can quickly advise whether this framework matches your pipeline and strengths.
A Deep Dive Into the Framework Structure and Benefits
This open framework offers a flexible, long-term mechanism for providers to deliver regulated and unregulated accommodation with support, alongside innovative, co-designed community services. There are two distinct lots:
- Lot 1: Individual arrangements and block contracts for homes with support and community-based support. Both regulated (e.g., Ofsted or CQC-registered) and unregulated services are included, broadening the scope for diverse providers.
- Lot 2: Co-design and innovation, encouraging creative approaches to support delivery, again spanning both homes and community-based models.
For prospective suppliers, the two-lot structure means you can bid in line with your specialism or offer an innovative model through Lot 2. The overall approach accommodates a mix of established support pathways and forward-thinking service proposals, which is rare for frameworks of this scale. With an estimated total value of £162 million and a scheme end date of 2036, successful suppliers can expect genuine pipeline stability.
Devon County Council's 'My Future, My Way' model places co-production and relational practice at its core. As such, this isn't simply a transactional procurement. Suppliers will need to demonstrate active partnership with young people, families, and professionals, and a genuine commitment to trauma-informed, outcomes-focused support. Our team at Thornton & Lowe regularly supports providers bidding for supported accommodation frameworks; see our practical guide to winning health and social care tenders for more context on what evaluators prioritise.
Bidding Considerations: What Makes This Framework Different?
Unlike fixed-term contracts, this is an 'open framework', meaning new providers can join at successive entry points throughout its life. This increases competition but also ensures that high-quality, innovative services are always in play. The long-term scope means providers must demonstrate sustainability, adaptability, and an ongoing commitment to service quality. Devon is also holding a tender launch event on 27 April 2026 (online via Teams). interested bidders should contact procurementpeople-mailbox@devon.gov.uk to register, as this is a valuable opportunity to familiarise yourself with the documentation and process early.
Quick Facts
- Framework value: £162,000,000 including VAT
- Contracting authority: Devon County Council
- Scope: Accommodation and support for 16+, including regulated and unregulated provision
- Framework type: Light touch open framework agreement
- Lots: Lot 1 – Individual/Block Support; Lot 2 – Co-design/Innovation
Key Dates
- Submission deadline: 22 May 2026
- Framework end date: Estimated 2 August 2036
Tips for a Competitive Submission
- Align with the lot structure: Tailor your bid to the requirements and flexibilities of Lot 1 or Lot 2. Demonstrate specialism or innovation clearly for the relevant lot.
- Address the full framework scope: Given the inclusion of both regulated and unregulated care, ensure your submission highlights compliance, safeguarding, and robust governance for both settings.
- Showcase sustainability: The long framework duration means your operational, workforce, and financial plans should be credible for the full term.
- Respond to Devon-specific priorities: Carefully review the Find a Tender notice and the full tender documentation for Devon's strategic priorities around independence-building, trauma-informed practice, and transition support for care leavers.
If you would like an expert review of your suitability or support in developing a winning submission, speak to Thornton & Lowe's bid specialists today. Our deep sector knowledge and framework expertise can be the edge that secures your place in this major Devon County Council framework.
