Preliminary Market Engagement - All-Age Direct Payment Support Service

Swindon Borough Council invites you to contribute to preliminary market engagement in relation to the development of an All-Age Direct Payments Support Service and would welcome the views of suppliers on the questions set out in the questionnaire. The intention is to invite supplier feedback to help shape the final specification and commercial model to ensure the tender delivers the optimum outcomes for the Council. Swindon Borough Council is seeking input from the market for the supply of an All-Age Direct Payment Support Service supporting adults and children with their self-directed support offer through the delivery of direct payments. This Market Engagement builds on the feedback received in our recent engagement relating to Virtual Wallets. Swindon Borough Council are committed to increase the number of people who wish to access a social care Direct Payment that enables individuals to remain independent through developing their own packages of care and support. Swindon Borough Council would like to: • Understand the Market: See what services in relation to direct payments support providers can offer. • Opportunities to work with Social Enterprises, Community Interest Companies or Not for Profit organisations. To understand the interest from providers who have a strong commitment to investing in Swindon, working in partnership to deliver something new. • Shape Specifications: Get feedback to create better service requirements for future tenders. • Gather Insights: Learn about challenges and solutions for managing direct payments, such as handling payroll or supporting and recruiting personal assistants • Understand Barriers: To gain a better understanding of any potential barriers and how best to overcome them. It is the Councils intention to release an all-age direct payment support contract to potentially be effective from 1st September 2026. • The term of any future contract is yet to be determined; however, it is likely to be a minimum of 3 years with an option to extend further. • The anticipated value of this contract is yet to be determined but is likely to be between £300,000 and £500,000 based on a 3year term. • Swindon Borough Council has recently engaged the market to understand the aspiration to deliver virtual wallets for managed accounts in Swindon. The intention is to have a commissioned virtual wallet function in place by September 2026 that will interlink with any commissioned direct payment support service. However, we wish to include your thoughts on delivering a managed account function should the Council be unable to progress the virtual wallet system during 2026.