West Sussex County Council has re-opened its Provision of Care and Support at Home Services framework to new applicants. The framework runs until 28 September 2031 and carries a total value of £305,000,000. This re-opening represents a genuine, time-limited window for home care providers to join one of the South East's largest domiciliary care frameworks. The deadline for applications is 18 May 2026.
If you want a quick, honest assessment of whether your organisation meets the requirements, speak to Thornton & Lowe today.
What the framework covers
This framework provides West Sussex County Council with a pre-approved pool of providers to deliver care and support directly in service users' homes. It covers the broad spectrum of at-home care needs (such as personal care, medication support, domestic assistance, and related services) for adults who require support to live independently in the community.
Providers appointed to the framework will be eligible to receive call-off contracts from the council throughout the framework's remaining term. This means successful applicants are not awarded a fixed contract at the point of joining: they become available for commissioning, with volumes dependent on assessed need, performance, and the council's commissioning decisions over time.
Why re-openings matter for new entrants
Joining a framework through a re-opening carries the same status as joining at the original award: you become a qualified, pre-approved supplier able to receive call-offs. For providers who were not established, not large enough, or simply not aware of the framework when it was originally procured, the re-opening closes that gap.
With over five years of the framework remaining, there is meaningful pipeline available for providers who qualify now and build a strong relationship with the council.
Key facts
- Authority: West Sussex County Council
- Total value: £305,000,000
- Framework end date: 28 September 2031
- Service type: Care and support at home (domiciliary care) for adults
- Status: Re-opening; framework currently live and commissioning
- Submission deadline: 18 May 2026
Tips for a successful application
- Review the specification in full before starting: Download the documents from the Find a Tender notice and ensure your services match exactly what West Sussex is procuring. Do not assume your existing offer aligns without checking the detail.
- Demonstrate capacity for multi-year delivery: With over five years of framework remaining, the council needs confidence that you can sustain service delivery, not just mobilise quickly. Your workforce plans, turnover management, and quality assurance processes are all relevant here.
- Understand the West Sussex geography: This is a large county with distinct urban, suburban, and rural areas. Evidence that you understand the geographic distribution of demand and have the workforce infrastructure to deliver consistently across your intended area of operation.
- Quality and compliance documentation must be current: The council will assess your compliance with CQC registration requirements, safeguarding policies, safer recruitment, and financial standing. Ensure all documentation is up to date before submitting.
- Register on the council's e-tendering portal early: Allow time to register, navigate the portal, and download all specification documents well before the 18 May deadline.
Applying to the West Sussex Care at Home Framework?
Our social care bid team can help you assess your eligibility quickly and build a submission that clearly demonstrates your quality, capacity, and fit for this framework. Time is short: contact us now.
