DHSC: Request for Information Fair Pay Agreement: Negotiation and sector support

The Department of Health and Social Care is seeking information on your views regarding a ‘Negotiation Support Fund’ for the Adult Social Care Fair Pay Agreement that is due to be delivered during the 2026/27 financial year. The aim of the Request for Information (RFI) is to explore your views on a proposed negotiation support fund offer.

Responses will help to shape the specification for potential competitive tender as per the applicable procurement regulations and build a tailored offer. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes – it does not constitute an Invitation to Tender (ITT) or a promise to issue an ITT in the future.

This RFI does not commit the Authority to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Background: The government is committed to transforming adult social care and supporting adult social care workers, turning the page on decades of low pay and insecurity.

That is why we plan to introduce the first ever Fair Pay Agreement in 2028, backed by £500m funding to improve pay and conditions for the adult social care workforce. The Employment Rights Bill establishes a framework for Fair Pay Agreements, through which an agreement for the adult social care sector can be negotiated.

Following public consultation, we expect regulations establishing the Negotiating Body will be laid in 2026 and negotiations will be held in 2027. Negotiations between employee and employer representatives will shape how the funding will be used to enhance pay, terms and conditions, as well as other matters, such as training and professional development.

There is currently no single body that is representative of all ASC employers. Further, because FPAs are new to the sector, experience of collective bargaining at national level (both for employer and employee representatives) in this sector is limited.

Accordingly, any potential representative body will need to adapt and upskill in order to be ready to begin effective, sector-wide negotiations which are due to commence in 2027-28. Therefore, the Authority is considering providing funding to support organisations who may be participating in or supporting the collective bargaining process, for one year preceding the first ASC FPA negotiations only, to sufficiently upskill, organise and prepare them for negotiations.

The contract would be awarded for one year only in 2026-27. Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) are eligible to apply for this RFI, if they have the relevant experience. All the interested suppliers should register at: health.atamis.co.uk to apply for the opportunity.