Bid of the Week – Hampshire County Council’s Help 2 Live at Home Framework

For many care providers, delivering high-quality services is the easy part, it’s winning the work that can feel overwhelming.

With the launch of Hampshire County Council’s Help 2 Live at Home Framework — a multi-billion-pound, 10-year contract opportunity, now is the perfect time for care companies to understand the benefits of bidding and how to take part in these life-changing opportunities.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the Help 2 Live at Home Framework?

This is a large, open-ended framework worth £6.2 billion, designed to commission care and support services for Older and Younger Adults, including:

  • Domiciliary Care
  • Live-In Care
  • Extra Care
  • Reablement & Enablement
  • Complex Needs, Learning Disabilities, Dementia, and Mental Health Support

The framework will remain open for applications beyond the initial October 2024 launch, giving providers a flexible entry point. It uses a mini-competition model, meaning approved providers will be invited to bid on specific contracts (“call-offs”) over the framework’s 8–10-year lifespan.

You can click below to access the tender documents and a full breakdown of the opportunity.

Download the Full Breakdown
Download the Tender Documents

You can hear more from our Founder, Jill, via our Bid of the Week Playlist: here.

Why Should You Bid?

  1. Access to Consistent Work

Winning a place on the framework means you’ll be eligible to bid for local authority packages, creating a predictable pipeline of clients and referrals.

  1. Build Trust and Visibility

Being on the council’s approved list enhances your credibility with families, healthcare professionals, and investors.

  1. Growth Without Direct Selling

Once enrolled, opportunities come directly to you through mini-competitions — reducing your need for constant marketing and cold outreach.

  1. You Can Start Small

The framework is ideal for companies of all sizes. Whether you’re new or expanding, you can choose specific service lines and areas to focus on.

  1. You’re Not Locked In

The open nature of the framework means you can join when ready, bid only on services you’re equipped to deliver, and scale your involvement over time.

The Bidding Process – What to Expect

Step 1: Enrol on the Framework
You’ll need to submit an application through Hampshire’s In-Tend Portal. This involves completing a questionnaire about your CQC registration, financial stability, policies, and operational readiness.

Step 2: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
This includes holding CQC registration, having appropriate insurances, meeting health & safety standards, and confirming compliance with equality and sustainability standards.

Step 3: Pass Due Diligence
The council will carry out checks with bodies like Companies House, the CQC, and other local authorities to verify your information.

Step 4: Join the Framework
Once approved, you’ll officially be a part of the Help 2 Live at Home framework — with access to all future contract opportunities.

Step 5: Respond to Mini Competitions
When a contract becomes available, you’ll be invited to bid. The council may also issue direct awards based on provider suitability.

What If You’re Not Ready Yet?

Don’t worry, the framework will stay open to new applicants. If your company isn’t quite ready, you can:

  • Start with one service line (e.g. personal care only)
  • Focus on building your bid library
  • Work with a bid partner (like Big Sister) to guide your application
  • Join our Done for You Bid Management Programme for unlimited bid support

The Big Opportunity for Your Business

With billions of pounds allocated over the next decade, this is one of the most significant public contracts in the UK care sector. Whether you’re an experienced provider or just getting started, being on this framework could transform your business.

At Big Sister, we’re here to help you navigate every step — from preparing your documentation to writing winning responses.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re ready to grow, stabilise your income, and be part of something bigger, now’s the time to act.