How to apply for a learning disability framework
Learning disability frameworks let councils and ICBs commission support for adults with learning disabilities and autism, including supported living and complex community packages. They are shaped by Transforming Care, so commissioners score your ability to support people out of hospital and avoid placement breakdown. Strong applications evidence positive behaviour support, person-centred planning and staff competence. You apply through the council or NHS portal, pass the selection questionnaire, then answer quality method statements.
Transforming Care and what commissioners score
Learning disability commissioning is driven by Transforming Care and the aim to support people in the community rather than in hospital. Commissioners score how you take referrals for people with complex needs and behaviour that challenges, and keep placements stable. Positive behaviour support is usually central. Show your PBS model, how plans are written and reviewed, how you reduce restrictive practice, and how staff are trained and supervised. Person-centred planning, choice and community inclusion run through every good answer. For people moving out of assessment and treatment units, evidence your transition planning, multidisciplinary working and contingency staffing so the ICB trusts you not to hand the placement back.
The framework application process
These frameworks run through the council or NHS portal, such as ProContract or Atamis. You complete the selection questionnaire on finance, insurance and CQC status, then method statements on the support model, safeguarding, PBS and outcomes. Where supported living is involved, the regulated activity is personal care, so your CQC registration and rating matter. Read whether the lot is supported living, complex community support, or both, and answer to the right model. We run a free eligibility check before you pay. If your CQC rating, PBS evidence or staffing model will not pass, we tell you, so you only bid where you can win.
Not sure if you qualify for a tender? We check it for free, before you pay anything, and we only take bids we believe you can win. See our learning disability tender writing or text TENDER to get started.
Common questions
What is Transforming Care and why does it matter for bids?
It is the national programme to move people with learning disabilities and autism out of long-stay hospitals into community support. Commissioners score your ability to take complex referrals and keep placements stable, so your bid should speak directly to it.
Do I need positive behaviour support to win these frameworks?
Usually yes. Most learning disability and autism specifications expect a clear PBS model, staff trained in it, and evidence you reduce restrictive practice. Bids without credible PBS evidence tend to score poorly on the quality questions.
What CQC rating do I need for a learning disability framework?
Where personal care is provided, you must be CQC registered, and many specifications expect Good or better, or a clear improvement plan. Check the exact requirement in the specification, as some accept newly registered providers not yet rated.
Keep reading
Service
Learning disability tender writing
Supported living framework application
CQC rating requirements
Browse all care tender guides, or see care tender writing by service.
Got a tender to check?
Text TENDER to +44 7822 001898and we'll tell you free whether you'd qualify, before you spend a penny.