To provide residential or nursing services on behalf of ECC you will need to sign up to become either a Spot provider or bid to become a provider on the Integrated Residential and Nursing (IRN) Framework. 

Further information can be found in the sections below about how to become a spot provider or how to join the IRN Framework.

Early Market Engagement for IRN 2025

The current Integrated Residential Nursing (IRN) Framework that was implemented in June 2019 is due to finish in 2025. We are inviting all Residential and Nursing providers in Essex to provide us of your views on the current framework as a part of our early engagement to re procure this opportunity.

Please access the following link and complete the questionnaire by 12 noon Friday 12th January 2024.

https://forms.office.com/e/kUW2AGGpGQ

The refresh process is now closed for 2024.

This was the last refresh of the current 2019 IRN Framework. We currently plan on to reopen for the 2025 framework in October 2024. All providers will need to submit a new application at this time. 

The IRN Refresh will allow exiting providers to submit revised pricing for new placements and also allow new providers to make a tender submission to join the IRN framework.

ECC will be using Procontract to complete the process to allow providers to join the IRN 2025 framework.

All queries related to the IRN refresh can be emailed to IRN.ProjectTeam@essex.gov.uk

Peter Fairley, Director Integration and Partnerships talks about the benefits of joining the IRN contract. 

The Framework is a ranked list of providers who can deliver both respite and long term residential and nursing care to the residents of Essex.

The current Framework started in June 2019. There are annual review points each calendar year where new providers can join the framework and existing providers are able to submit a new price. 

Click on the below link to download a Residential Spot Application Document for completion. Please ensure you answer all questions.

Download: Residential Spot Application Document

Before you submit your application please use the following checklist to confirm you have completed all relevant documentation.

• Completed ‘Residential Spot Application Document’
• Completed ‘Residential Care Provider Contact Details Form’ (Section 8.2.2 of the application form)
• Completed ‘Information Risk Questionnaire’ (Section 14.1.2 of the application form)
• Signed Company Letter (Section 15.1 of the application form)
• Void cheque / Pay in slip / PDF Bank Statement (Section 16.1 of the application form)

Note: we only contract with companies that own the care homes and we do not pay VAT on social care services.

Please email all of the above to IRN.ProjectTeam@essex.gov.uk