Children’s charity Barnardo’s is set to win a new £1.64 million per year contract to provide family support provision on the Isle of Wight, County Hall has revealed.
The council said it will make a formal award to current provider Barnardo’s after it submitted the ‘most advantageous tender’ during an Early Intervention and Prevention Service procurement process.
Standstill period ends next Friday
This is subject to no legal challenge being raised by an unsuccessful bidder before next Friday (28th August 2026).
Existing arrangements with Barnardo’s are due to end in March 2027.
What the new contract will cover
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said,
“The Early Intervention and Prevention Service forms a key part of the Island’s Family Hub offer, providing support to expectant parents, children, young people and families through a network of Family Hubs and Family Centres.
“The service delivers a range of universal, targeted and intensive support programmes designed to ensure families can access the right support at the right time.
“In accordance with procurement regulations, the Isle of Wight Council has now formally notified all bidders of the outcome tender process and is now observing the mandatory standstill period which ends on Friday, August 28, 2026.
“The new contract is scheduled to commence on 1st April 2027, and will support the continued delivery of Early Intervention and Prevention Services and the Family Hub programme across the Island, ensuring children, young people and families can continue to access timely support, early help and opportunities to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Committee backed ‘robust’ procurement process
The announcement follows what the council has described as a ‘robust and competitive’ procurement process and a vote by the Children’s Services, Education and Skills Committee.
Freeman: All raised the relevant points
Reform UK’s Councillor Ros Freeman, who chairs the panel, said at its meeting last week,
“We’ve had our private discussions, and all raised the relevant points.
“The recommendation is to award the contract after private discussion and as detailed by the officers, with the proviso we have an annual report which is in consultation with the chair.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
