Newcastle City Council is procuring a framework for residential and nursing care services within Newcastle upon Tyne. The requirement is aimed at registered care home providers rather than the healthcare market generally, with separate routes for general and dementia care and for dual-registered and residential-only settings.
The notice gives an estimated value of £225,059,220 including VAT and a maximum four-year period. The framework is structured to admit an unlimited number of suppliers that meet the entry requirements, so the main issue for providers is demonstrating that their registration, service model and capacity fit the lot they are pursuing. For help reviewing your position and planning the response, contact Thornton & Lowe.
Four care lots
The procurement is divided into four lots:
- General residential and general nursing care for dual-registered providers
- Dementia residential and dementia nursing care for dual-registered providers
- General residential care for single-registered providers
- Dementia residential care for single-registered providers
This is a more precise supplier profile than a broad label such as health and social care might suggest. Providers need to consider their CQC registration, the services delivered at each home, staffing arrangements, dementia capability and the locations they can make available. Thornton & Lowe's healthcare tender guidance explains some of the recurring issues providers need to evidence in care procurements.
Framework access and call-offs
The notice states that the framework will have an unlimited number of suppliers and no supplier fee. Entry is described as pass/fail, with care contracts then awarded under the framework without further competition. The establishing authority is the body identified as able to use the framework.
That makes initial compliance especially important. Providers should check every condition of participation carefully and avoid assuming that a broad history of care delivery is enough. If the tender asks for specific registrations, policies, financial information, quality standards or service evidence, each requirement needs a clear and traceable response.
Where to focus the submission
For care providers, evidence is strongest when it moves beyond policy statements. Useful examples may include how you maintain safe staffing, manage changing needs, support residents with dementia, monitor medicines and incidents, involve families, safeguard residents and improve outcomes following audits or feedback.
Capacity should also be described carefully. A framework place is not a promise of placements, and providers need to be realistic about the beds, staffing and service types they can make available over the contract period. Clear mobilisation and referral processes can help show the Council how a placement would work in practice.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £225,059,220 including VAT
- Four lots covering general and dementia residential/nursing care
- Framework term: 30 November 2026 to 29 November 2029, with a possible extension to 29 November 2030
- Unlimited suppliers and 0% supplier fee
- Tender submission deadline: 1 September 2026 at 11:59am
Use the official Find a Tender notice as the starting point, then work from the procurement documents on the Council's portal for the detailed requirements.
Care tender support
Thornton & Lowe supports care providers with compliance reviews, bid planning, evidence development and tender writing. Talk to our healthcare bid team if you are considering the Newcastle framework.
