First Re Opening Inclusive Lives Framework (part 1 Supported Living)
Framework Description
The Inclusive Lives Framework Part 1: Supported Living is Southampton City Council's Light Touch Regime framework for supported living for adults with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, neurodiversity (including autism) and comparable needs. It is also open to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Commissioning Board. It runs to 4 April 2031, with up to three further 12-month extensions, and is worth an estimated £27.5 million a year at 2023-24 prices.
Context & Use Case
Southampton's commissioners use it to arrange supported living across several lots, working with providers in partnership rather than through one-off tenders. The framework reopens periodically: its first reopening let new providers apply and allowed existing providers to improve their price, quality and social value offers and bid for additional lots. That reopening has now closed.
Scope of Services
Lot 1a: Supported living and outreach for learning disabilities and comparable needs Lot 1b: Supported living and outreach for mental health and comparable needs Support for neurodivergent adults, including autistic people Person-centred support linked to accommodation
Lots
Yes: Lot 1a Supported Living & Outreach (Learning Disabilities and Comparable Needs); Lot 1b Supported Living & Outreach (Mental Health and Comparable Needs)
Who Can Apply
Suits supported living providers with experience of learning disability, mental health or autism support, sound safeguarding and relevant qualifications. The first reopening has closed; as the framework is designed to reopen, providers not yet on it should check the framework page for the next window.
Buyer Benefits
Reopenings let Southampton refresh its provider base and let existing providers sharpen their offers, keeping price and quality under competitive pressure over a long term. Joint access for health commissioners means one set of providers can serve both council and health-funded placements.
Next Steps
Providers on the framework should use future reopenings to improve their price, quality and social value position and to add lots; price carried 75% of the weighting when the framework was tendered. Others should check the framework page for the next reopening and prepare safeguarding policies, staffing models and outcome case studies for adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs or autism.
How Athena Can Help
Each reopening of Inclusive Lives is a chance to join or improve your position, so preparation pays. Athena's service for getting onto Inclusive Lives prepares your selection answers, policies and case studies ahead of the next window, so you can submit as soon as it opens.
For existing providers, our quality and social value writing strengthens your offer, and our light touch bidding advice helps you price competitively under the Light Touch Regime while protecting margin.
