16-25 Years Supported Accommodation DPS Sheffield
Framework Description
Sheffield City Council's 16–25 Years Supported Accommodation DPS buys supported housing for care leavers and vulnerable young people aged 16 to 25, with a focus on 16 to 18 year olds. It runs until 31 March 2029 and has three lots by level of need: complex, standard and supported tenancy. The estimated value is £33.1 million for the initial term.
Context & Use Case
The council uses the DPS to place young people leaving care, or otherwise vulnerable, in safe and stable accommodation with support to build independence. Admitted providers are invited to compete for requirements in the relevant lot, so the council can respond as needs change and widen its choice as new providers join.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Complex needs accommodation with additional support Lot 2: Standard support to build independent living skills Lot 3: Supported tenancy with minimal support for young people ready to live more independently
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
It suits supported accommodation providers, housing associations and charities with experience of care leavers and vulnerable young people. As a live DPS, it accepts new applications, so providers can apply to join now and compete for work up to 31 March 2029.
Buyer Benefits
The council gets a pool of vetted providers across three levels of need, so each young person can be matched to the right support. New providers joining over time widen choice, and competition for each requirement helps keep quality high and prices fair.
Next Steps
Read the Find a Tender notice and DPS documents, decide which lots match your service model and staffing, and prepare safeguarding policies, staff vetting and training records, outcomes for young people and evidence of property standards. Apply to join, then respond to the council's call-offs in your lots.
How Athena Can Help
Supported accommodation applications are judged on safeguarding and outcomes. Athena's care sector DPS applications help you choose lots and set out your model, policies and evidence clearly, with a compliance check before submission.
Once admitted, our quality response writing helps you win call-offs with specific evidence on support and move-on outcomes, and our children's services bid advice covers similar supported accommodation tenders from other councils, helping you decide where your service model fits best.
