Adult Placement Service (APS) / Shared Lives

What this is

Preliminary market engagement (UK2, May 2026): Cardiff Council is testing market interest in an Adult Placement Service (APS) / Shared Lives contract — a provider to recruit, assess, train and support Shared Lives Carers who host adults with learning disabilities/autism, neurodivergent needs, dementia, physical/sensory disabilities, mental ill health or substance misuse in their own homes, for long-term accommodation and short breaks. Estimated GBP 1.6m excluding VAT; contract planned 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2031, extendable to April 2033. Expressions of interest were due 12 noon, 12 June 2026; the tender notice is estimated for 31 March 2027.

Key points

• Shared Lives / Adult Placement Service for Cardiff Council — provider runs carer recruitment, matching, training and reviews
• Regulated service: CIW registration as APS is mandatory; Shared Lives Plus membership expected
• GBP 1.6m ex VAT over 4 years (Apr 2027 - Mar 2031, +2yr extension)
• Local accessible office required; partnership working with social work teams
• Early stage: engagement closed 12 June 2026, tender notice expected ~31 March 2027

Who can bid

Regulated social-care providers registered with CIW as an Adult Placement Service; Shared Lives Plus membership expected; SME and VCSE participation welcomed. Max 2 individuals per Shared Lives Carer home.

• CIW-registered APS

How it is scored

Not yet published — this is a market engagement; formal criteria arrive with the tender notice (est. 31 March 2027).

Money

GBP 1,600,000 excluding VAT (GBP 2m inc VAT) estimated over 4 years.

How to submit

Expressions of interest to Cardiff Council by 12 noon, 12 June 2026 (Socialcare.Procurement@cardiff.gov.uk); tender expected via Sell2Wales/eTenderWales in March 2027.

Clarifications

Socialcare.Procurement@cardiff.gov.uk (Ana Foundly).

Contract period

1 April 2027 to 31 March 2031 (4 years), extendable to 1 April 2033.

Classification

CPV 85000000 — Health and social work services Wales