Recruitment Framework for Agency Nursing, Care, Support and Ancillary Staff – Apex Housing Group (Northern Ireland)

Reference:  APX026

Description:  Apex Housing Association intends to establish a multi-supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of suitably qualified, experienced and compliant Agency Workers to meet temporary staffing requirements across a range of services and schemes.

The Framework Agreement will facilitate the provision of Agency Workers for ad hoc, emergency and short-term assignments on an as-required basis. No guarantee is given as to the volume or value of Services to be procured under the Framework Agreement.

The procurement has been divided into the following Lots:

• Lot 1 – Provision of Agency Nursing Staff – covers the provision of suitably qualified Agency Nursing Staff and Residential Officers to support nursing and residential care services operated by Apex Housing.  Lot value:  £2,500,000 including vat
• Lot 2 – Provision of Agency Care, Support and Ancillary Staff – covers the provision of suitably qualified and experienced Agency Care, Support and Ancillary Staff to provide temporary cover for ad hoc, emergency and short-term assignments across a range of services and schemes operated by Apex Housing.  Lot value:  £14,500,000 including vat

Total value (estimated):  £17,000,000 including VAT

Contract dates (estimated):

• 10 September 2026 to 9 September 2028
• Possible extension to 9 September 2030 (2 x 12 months)

Maximum number of suppliers:  Unlimited

Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers:  0%

The Framework Agreement will operate as a ranked multi-supplier framework.  Up to three suppliers will be appointed to each Lot and ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd based on the outcome of the tender evaluation.  Where the Contracting Authority requires Agency Workers, assignments will be offered to the highest-ranked supplier in the first instance.  If that supplier is unable to meet the requirement within the timescales specified in the Framework Agreement, the Contracting Authority may offer the assignment to the next-ranked supplier, and thereafter to the third-ranked supplier where necessary.  No guarantee is given as to the volume or value of Services to be procured under the Framework Agreement.

 

Tender submission deadline:  11.59pm, 28 July 2026

Award decision date (estimated):  21 August 2026

Award criteria Award criteria:  Quality – 40%, Price 60%

 

Contracting Authority

Apex Housing Association

10 Butcher Street

Londonderry

BT48 6HL

Email: Procurement@apex.org.uk

Submission address and any special instructions:  https://etendersni.gov.uk/

Full tender notice:  https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062650-2026?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2026-07-04&utm_source=SavedSearch