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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

Best Start Family Hubs

Worcestershire County Council · Tender notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 26 Sept 2026, 02:47.

Opportunity overview

The national Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies programme sets a refreshed direction for family and health support from April 2026 to March 2029. It builds on the learning from Sure Start, Family Hubs and Start for Life, with a clear expectation that local areas bring together health, education, early years, parenting and community support so that families can access help earlier, more easily and in places they already know and trust. The programme places strong emphasis on early identification, prevention and reducing inequalities, particularly during pregnancy and the early years when the foundations for lifelong health, learning and development are laid. Best Start Family Hubs should provide a welcoming and inclusive front door for families, supported by a wider network of linked local services and outreach locations, so that families can receive the right support at the right time and are not left to navigate services on their own. The updated national guidance describes Best Start Family Hubs as a key part of the Government’s wider Best Start in Life strategy, supporting the ambition for more children to achieve a good level of development by age five. The model remains universal and open to families from conception to age 19, or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, while prioritising support for families with babies and young children. Locally, Worcestershire already has an established Family Hubs offer across the county. This procurement will support the expansion and strengthening of the current model so that it aligns with the additional national expectations for Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies, including improved access, outreach, partnership working and support for families during pregnancy and the early years. Full details of the requirement can be found in Appendix 1a - Service Specification_Lot 1 and Appendix 1b - Service Specification_Lot 2. This procurement is split into two Lots: Lot 1 covers the districts of Bromsgrove, Redditch, Wyre Forest, as well as Great Witley and Tenbury Wells. Lot 2 covers the districts of Worcester City, Wychavon and Malvern Hills (excluding Great Witley and Tenbury Wells)

Classification

  • CPV85140000 — Miscellaneous health services
  • CPV85311300 — Welfare services for children and young people
  • CPV98000000 — Other community, social and personal services

Lots

  • Lot 1£7.1m
  • Lot 2£7.3m

Documents and notices

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
HEA25173
Status
active
Procurement Method
open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Main Procurement Category
services
Above Threshold
Yes
How to submit
Https://www.in-tendhost.co.uk/worcestershire/
Published risks
Loss of any Family Hub buildings Due to ongoing reviews and system pressures it is possible there may be changes in hub buildings and usage as the contract progresses. To mitigate we will ensure any changes to hub buildings are considered carefully to identify and mitigate against any impact to service users. Disruption in service delivery within hubs in the event of a provider change Sufficient time has been allowed to enable planning to ensure any required provider transitions are completed with minimal disruption to families accessing services. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Changes arising from LGR may affect governance, commissioning responsibilities and the distribution of funding. Dependent on future local arrangements, there may be implications for service delivery and accountability.

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Special regime

lightTouch

Submission terms

Electronic Submission Policy
allowed

Languages

en

Tender Period

Ends
28 Sept 2026, 16:00

Enquiry period

Ends
15 Sept 2026, 16:00

Expected award period

Ends
2 Dec 2026, 23:59

Lot Details

Award criteria

Description
The Council intends to appoint one Supplier per lot. Bidders submitting tenders for both lots must identify their preferred lot within their tender submission. Preferences cannot be amended following the tender deadline. Where the same Supplier is ranked first for both lots (lowest PQP scores), the Council will award that Supplier their preferred lot and will award the remaining lot to the next compliant Supplier (with the second lowest PQP score). Where application of this allocation mechanism would result in a lot having no compliant Supplier available for award, the Council will award both lots to the same Supplier, provided that Supplier has submitted a compliant tender for both Lots and meets all requirements of the procurement.

Contract terms

Financial Terms
Purchase order, paid quarterly in arrears, 30 days payment terms.

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Title
Lot 1
Description
Covers the districts of Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest (including Great Witley and Tenbury Wells).
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
8,570,880
Amount
7,142,400
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Quality criterion 1 (Lot 0)
Description
Expansion of parenting and HLE interventions in line with national Best Start expectations. We are seeking a provider that can maximise the reach and impact of parenting support and home learning environment interventions, ensuring more families can access timely, evidence-based support in line with Best Start in Life and Family Hub expectations. Please describe how you will expand the delivery and uptake of parenting and home learning environment interventions to reach a greater number and wider range of families, in line with national Best Start Family Hub guidance. Your answer must include: • How you will increase awareness and access to parenting and home learning support. • How you will reach families who are less likely to engage with services. • How you will utilise a range of delivery methods, partners and settings to maximise reach. • How you will ensure interventions are evidence-based, proportionate to need, and monitored for impact. • How your approach will result in improved access, reduction in inequalities, increased engagement, and improve parenting/HLE outcomes • How you will meet and adhere to national requirements, standards and guidance (Word count: 1,500 words)

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Quality criterion 2 (Lot 0)
Description
Outreach and Network Sites Delivery must ensure Best Start Family Hub services are accessible within local communities and reach families who may be less likely to access support through core Best Start Family Hub buildings. Please describe how you will develop and deliver a Best Start Family Hub model that extends beyond the core hub sites and into local communities across the contract area. Your answer must include: • A practical delivery model for outreach, network sites and access. • How you will develop and maintain a network of Best Start Family Hub Network sites. • A clear proposed model showing how core hubs, outreach, network sites and partner venues will operate together. • How you will use outreach and community-based delivery to engage families who do not access Family Hub buildings, across the 0–19 age range and with a particular focus on families with children aged 0–5. • How you will provide effective family navigation by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of local services, building strong links with service providers and VCSE organisations, and enabling families to access the right support through clear in-person and digital routes. • How you will ensure families experience a smooth and coordinated transition between services for children aged 0–5 and the wider 0–19 offer. • How you will work with local partners and trusted community organisations to increase reach and accessibility. (Word count: 1,500 words)

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Quality criterion 3 (Lot 0)
Description
Community needs and insight Communities are at the heart of Public Health and the delivery of Best Start Family Hubs (BSFH). Therefore, understanding local communities and using data, insight, and family voice are fundamental to effective BSFH delivery Providers must demonstrate a strong understanding of the communities within the geographical area they are delivering services. How will you develop and maintain a detailed understanding of the local communities within the area, including local strengths, needs, assets, demographics and inequalities. Your answer must include: • Gathering and use of local data, insight and intelligence. • Demonstration of understanding of community strengths, needs and inequalities in local BSFH communities. • How you will deliver effective engagement with families, communities and local partners. • Approaches used to gather family voice and lived experience. Use of this community insight to shape and improve delivery. • How insight will be translated into service planning and continuous improvement, with examples of how this will be monitored, reviewed and improved • How you will ensure inclusive access and engagement for vulnerable families, rural communities, families with SEND, and those experiencing digital exclusion. (Word count: 1,300 words)

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 4
Type
quality
Name
Quality criterion 4 (Lot 0)
Description
Innovation, added value and quality assurance Providers must demonstrate organisational standards and suitably qualified staff as a key quality assurance measure. We also recognise that providers may be able to bring additional resources, expertise, partnerships and opportunities that enhance Best Start Family Hub delivery and improve outcomes for children, young people and families. Please describe the innovation, quality assurance and added value your organisation would bring to the delivery of this contract. Your answer must include: • How you will implement and maintain quality assurance arrangements, including clear performance indicators and processes for monitoring and improvement. • How you will recruit, deploy and retain a suitably qualified workforce to manage and deliver services across BSFH and outreach locations, including arrangements to support staff wellbeing. • How you will draw on the expertise, services and resources within your organisation’s core service offer, alongside the knowledge and expertise available through the wider Best Start network and community services, to strengthen and add value to BSFH delivery. • Access to additional funding, grants or in-kind resources that would enhance contract delivery. • How your involvement in national, regional or sector-wide networks and partnerships will add value to local delivery. • How you will identify, test and embed innovation and best practice, including learning from other areas and services. • How you will assess and address workforce development, training and skills needs to support high-quality delivery. (Word count: 1,300 words)

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 5
Type
quality
Name
Quality criterion 5 (Lot 0)
Description
Demonstration of Social Value Worcestershire County Council is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Worcestershire residents in addition to supporting our local economy and environment. The Council's social value ambitions are set out in the Social Value Toolkit (appendix 1) this outlines the types of deliverables that can be offered to support your social impact as part of your bid. Describe how your organisation will deliver Social Value throughout the term of this contract. Your response should explain your organisation’s social value commitments and how you will generate additional benefits for Worcestershire beyond the delivery of the Best Start Family Hubs. As a minimum, your response should: *Clearly set out your proposed social value offer and the added value it will deliver to Worcestershire communities. *Explain what social value activities will be delivered, how they will be delivered, and when they will take place throughout the contract period, including measurable targets and outcomes where appropriate. *Demonstrate how your organisation will: • Support and strengthen the local economy. • Protect, improve and enhance the environment. • Promote and support local communities and the voluntary, community and faith sector. (Word count: 500 words)

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
10
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Financial accounts, Insurance, GDPR, Supply Chain Payment Terms.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
Relevant experience (scored), IT Security Assessment, Data Protect, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Tackling Modern Slavery, Occupational Standards (see ITT document in tender pack).

Contract period

Starts
1 Apr 2027, 00:00
Ends
30 Mar 2029, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Mar 2033, 23:59

Renewal

Description
Up to six years - an initial two year term with the option to extend on a two plus two basis.
Entry 2
Id
2
Title
Lot 2
Description
Covers the districts of Worcester City, Wychavon and Malvern Hills (excluding Great Witley and Tenbury Wells).
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
8,709,120
Amount
7,257,600
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Quality criterion 1 (Lot 0)
Description
Expansion of parenting and HLE interventions in line with national Best Start expectations. We are seeking a provider that can maximise the reach and impact of parenting support and home learning environment interventions, ensuring more families can access timely, evidence-based support in line with Best Start in Life and Family Hub expectations. Please describe how you will expand the delivery and uptake of parenting and home learning environment interventions to reach a greater number and wider range of families, in line with national Best Start Family Hub guidance. Your answer must include: • How you will increase awareness and access to parenting and home learning support. • How you will reach families who are less likely to engage with services. • How you will utilise a range of delivery methods, partners and settings to maximise reach. • How you will ensure interventions are evidence-based, proportionate to need, and monitored for impact. • How your approach will result in improved access, reduction in inequalities, increased engagement, and improve parenting/HLE outcomes • How you will meet and adhere to national requirements, standards and guidance (Word count: 1,500 words)

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
quality
Name
Quality criterion 2 (Lot 0)
Description
Outreach and Network Sites Delivery must ensure Best Start Family Hub services are accessible within local communities and reach families who may be less likely to access support through core Best Start Family Hub buildings. Please describe how you will develop and deliver a Best Start Family Hub model that extends beyond the core hub sites and into local communities across the contract area. Your answer must include: • A practical delivery model for outreach, network sites and access. • How you will develop and maintain a network of Best Start Family Hub Network sites. • A clear proposed model showing how core hubs, outreach, network sites and partner venues will operate together. • How you will use outreach and community-based delivery to engage families who do not access Family Hub buildings, across the 0–19 age range and with a particular focus on families with children aged 0–5. • How you will provide effective family navigation by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of local services, building strong links with service providers and VCSE organisations, and enabling families to access the right support through clear in-person and digital routes. • How you will ensure families experience a smooth and coordinated transition between services for children aged 0–5 and the wider 0–19 offer. • How you will work with local partners and trusted community organisations to increase reach and accessibility. (Word count: 1,500 words)

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 3
Type
quality
Name
Quality criterion 3 (Lot 0)
Description
Community needs and insight Communities are at the heart of Public Health and the delivery of Best Start Family Hubs (BSFH). Therefore, understanding local communities and using data, insight, and family voice are fundamental to effective BSFH delivery Providers must demonstrate a strong understanding of the communities within the geographical area they are delivering services. How will you develop and maintain a detailed understanding of the local communities within the area, including local strengths, needs, assets, demographics and inequalities. Your answer must include: • Gathering and use of local data, insight and intelligence. • Demonstration of understanding of community strengths, needs and inequalities in local BSFH communities. • How you will deliver effective engagement with families, communities and local partners. • Approaches used to gather family voice and lived experience. Use of this community insight to shape and improve delivery. • How insight will be translated into service planning and continuous improvement, with examples of how this will be monitored, reviewed and improved • How you will ensure inclusive access and engagement for vulnerable families, rural communities, families with SEND, and those experiencing digital exclusion. (Word count: 1,300 words)

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 4
Type
quality
Name
Quality criterion 4 (Lot 0)
Description
Innovation, added value and quality assurance Providers must demonstrate organisational standards and suitably qualified staff as a key quality assurance measure. We also recognise that providers may be able to bring additional resources, expertise, partnerships and opportunities that enhance Best Start Family Hub delivery and improve outcomes for children, young people and families. Please describe the innovation, quality assurance and added value your organisation would bring to the delivery of this contract. Your answer must include: • How you will implement and maintain quality assurance arrangements, including clear performance indicators and processes for monitoring and improvement. • How you will recruit, deploy and retain a suitably qualified workforce to manage and deliver services across BSFH and outreach locations, including arrangements to support staff wellbeing. • How you will draw on the expertise, services and resources within your organisation’s core service offer, alongside the knowledge and expertise available through the wider Best Start network and community services, to strengthen and add value to BSFH delivery. • Access to additional funding, grants or in-kind resources that would enhance contract delivery. • How your involvement in national, regional or sector-wide networks and partnerships will add value to local delivery. • How you will identify, test and embed innovation and best practice, including learning from other areas and services. • How you will assess and address workforce development, training and skills needs to support high-quality delivery. (Word count: 1,300 words)

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 5
Type
quality
Name
Quality criterion 5 (Lot 0)
Description
Demonstration of Social Value Worcestershire County Council is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Worcestershire residents in addition to supporting our local economy and environment. The Council's social value ambitions are set out in the Social Value Toolkit (appendix 1) this outlines the types of deliverables that can be offered to support your social impact as part of your bid. Describe how your organisation will deliver Social Value throughout the term of this contract. Your response should explain your organisation’s social value commitments and how you will generate additional benefits for Worcestershire beyond the delivery of the Best Start Family Hubs. As a minimum, your response should: *Clearly set out your proposed social value offer and the added value it will deliver to Worcestershire communities. *Explain what social value activities will be delivered, how they will be delivered, and when they will take place throughout the contract period, including measurable targets and outcomes where appropriate. *Demonstrate how your organisation will: • Support and strengthen the local economy. • Protect, improve and enhance the environment. • Promote and support local communities and the voluntary, community and faith sector. (Word count: 500 words)

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
10
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Financial accounts, Insurance, GDPR, Supply Chain Payment Terms.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
Relevant experience (scored), IT Security Assessment, Data Protect, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Tackling Modern Slavery, Occupational Standards (see ITT document in tender pack).

Contract period

Starts
1 Apr 2027, 00:00
Ends
30 Mar 2029, 23:59
Max Extent Date
31 Mar 2033, 23:59

Renewal

Description
Up to six years - an initial two year term with the option to extend on a two plus two basis.

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
85311300
Description
Welfare services for children and young people
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
98000000
Description
Other community, social and personal services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
85140000
Description
Miscellaneous health services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKG12
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 2
Id
2
Related Lot
2

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
85311300
Description
Welfare services for children and young people
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
98000000
Description
Other community, social and personal services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
85140000
Description
Miscellaneous health services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKG12
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Published documents

Entry 1
Id
conflictOfInterest
Document Type
conflictOfInterest
Description
Not published
Entry 2
Id
076925-2026
Document Type
tenderNotice
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Published
12 Aug 2026, 15:52
Format
text/html

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Name
Worcestershire County Council
Id
GB-PPON-PRPQ-4584-WLPQ

Identifier

Scheme
GB-PPON
Id
PRPQ-4584-WLPQ

Address

Street Address
County Hall, Spetchley Road
Locality
Worcester
Postal Code
WR5 2NP
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Region
UKG12

Contact

Name
Kerstin Byfield

Roles

buyer

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Id
publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment
Description
Public authority - sub-central government

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Worcester · UKG12 · WR5 2NP · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKG12 · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

4 published notice versions reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

4 VERSIONS
  1. 044740-2026Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·
  2. 044771-2026Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·
  3. 045249-2026Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·
  4. 076925-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·