Purpose

This report sets out the results of the procurement process for two new activity-based Learning Disabilities Community Support contracts retendered across two lots aligned with Camden’s neighbourhood footprint: Lot 1 (Camden North) and Lot 2 (Camden South).

Learning Disability Community Support builds on the strengths of children and adults with Learning Disabilities (LD) and a range of complex co-occurring needs, such as mental health, autism and behaviours of concern. This strength-based approach is in line with the commitments in the Supporting People, Connecting Communities strategy and ‘We Make Camden’, which also seeks to create a fairer, more equal borough.

The new provision will respond to seven key priorities identified as part of extensive stakeholder engagement, including improving social inclusion, reducing inequalities, facilitating friendships, access to employment and further education, and promoting healthy lives.

Following a thorough procurement exercise, officers recommend that contracts are awarded to the highest scoring tenderers per locality, that is:

-          For Lot 1 (Camden North) to award the contract to Centre 404

-          For Lot 2 (Camden South) to award the contract to London Disability Network (LDN).

The winning tenderers’ submissions were strong, clearly demonstrating how they would bring their wealth of experience in delivering person-centred, culturally competent support to achieve the key outcomes as per the service specification.

The new provision will be implemented across both contracts in a two-phase approach:

•         from 1 October 2025 for Adults with LD (age 18+)

•         from 1 April 2026, a bespoke offer for Children (age 14+) to improve continuity, experience and outcomes as they grow up and become adults. 

Decision

THAT, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, the following decisions taken on 18th July 2025 be confirmed:

(i) To award the contract for North Camden (Lot 1) to Centre 404 for a period of 54 months (including one contract extension, at the sole discretion of the Council, of 36 months) for the sum of up to £10,036,080 in aggregate (including the contract extension); and

(ii) To award the contract for South Camden (Lot 2) to London Disability Network for a period of 54 months (including one contract extension, at the sole discretion of the Council, of 36 months) for the sum of up to £6,011,148 in aggregate (including the contract extension)