The Specialist Care Framework (release 2)
Framework Description
The Specialist Care Framework (Release 2) is Telford & Wrekin Council's multi-provider framework for specialist care and support for adults with learning disabilities, including people with autism, mental health needs or acquired brain injury. It is a single lot covering increasing levels of need and complexity, with 19 providers appointed. The release is published on Find a Tender under notice 016695-2026 and runs to 31 March 2028.
Context & Use Case
The Council's adult social care commissioners use the framework to place individuals with suitable providers, matching each person's level of need to a provider able to meet it. There is a strong focus on young people moving into adulthood, with support for employment, training, relationships, community life and independent living. Placements are made through call-offs from the 19 providers on the framework.
Scope of Services
Specialist support for adults with learning disabilities Autism support Mental health support Acquired brain injury support Transition support for young adults preparing for adulthood Employment, training and independent living support
Lots
Single lot multi-provider framework (19 providers) covering increasing levels of need and complexity for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health, acquired brain injury
Who Can Apply
Suits registered care and support providers with established experience of complex learning disability services in Telford & Wrekin. Release 2 has appointed 19 providers and is now live; others cannot join unless the Council runs a further release. Check the framework page for any planned future release before 31 March 2028.
Buyer Benefits
Commissioners can place people quickly with vetted providers who have shown they can manage increasing complexity, rather than negotiating each placement separately. The emphasis on preparing for adulthood shows the Council values providers who promote independence and measurable progress, not just safe care.
Next Steps
Appointed providers should keep CQC ratings, staffing and outcome data up to date to stay competitive for each placement request. Providers not on the framework should watch for any future Telford & Wrekin release, and prepare registrations, policies and case studies of supporting people with complex needs. If no further release is run, expect a replacement procurement around 31 March 2028.
How Athena Can Help
Care frameworks reward providers who can show outcomes, not just compliance. If you are one of the 19 providers, Athena helps you respond to placement requests with clear, person-centred evidence, supported by our bid writing specialists.
If you are not yet on it, our care framework applications team can prepare you for the next release, and our social care tendering advice covers other councils commissioning similar support, including how to present outcomes, staffing and pricing for complex placements.
