Framework Agreement for development and implementation of the SIGN programme (Social Investors)

Overview

Norfolk County Council (NCC) has been procuring contracts for social investor provider partnerships over the last few years as part of a wider programme of social inclusion, and is now putting in place a framework agreement to better enable departments within the council to bring on board social investors for its social inclusion projects. This strategic framework seeks to support long-term partnerships between funders, investors, outcome payers and Norfolk delivery partners in developing and implementing a wide range of investment projects aligned to UK government policy, NCC strategic objectives and the Norfolk Local Growth Plan. NCC are keen to see partnerships that deliver higher impact for beneficiaries, delivery partners and NCC commissioners. In respect of Local Government Reorganisation (“LGR”), on 7 September 2026 the government withdrew an earlier decision that it was minded to establish three unitary councils for Norfolk and announced a ‘rapid review’ of its LGR programme in respect of Norfolk and some other areas. On 4 December 2025, the then Secretary of State for Local Government made a written statement [UIN HCWS1128] stating that the government intended to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk as soon as possible, and that it was minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections in May 2028. On 7 September 2026, the current Secretary of State said: “The Prime Minister is really clear that the Government’s ambition is to ensure that every area in England has, or is in the process of establishing, a strategic authority by the end of 2027, with strategic authorities in place everywhere by the end of 2028”. Should LGR and/or devolution processes lead to unitary local government in Norfolk and/or to the establishment of a strategic authority covering Norfolk (i) the Framework Agreement] may be transferred, assigned or novated to any successor authority(ies) to the county council, or to any joint body incorporating or formed by any such successor and/or to any strategic authority; and/or (ii) the council or a successor authority or joint body may order services on behalf of other local authorities serving any area within Norfolk's current geographical boundaries. The Framework Agreement may be used by any contracting authority that succeeds wholly or in part to the functions of Norfolk County Council. The value in this notice is an estimate as it will depend on the call-offs the Council decides to make. The estimate value of £75m is over all framework lots and can be shared between framework lots. Contracts awarded under the framework may have a maximum total duration of 10 years. No contract awarded from the framework will be permitted to extend beyond April 2040. The values in this notice are estimates and depend on usage by the Council.