The council commissions its older peoples accommodation services with and without nursing through the Integrated residential and Nursing Framework (IRN). Applications for new providers to join the IRN are currently due to open on 2 March 2026 via Procontract. 

Existing providers will be required to submit a refreshed pricing matrix and carbon reduction plan plus a completed social value TOMMS calculator detailing the social value delivers over the last 12 months.

Please keep an eye on the provider bulletin and the provider hub for more details.

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

Thank you to everyone who attended the provider workshop event on Monday 29^th April 2024 at Colchester football stadium in regards to the future of the IRN framework.

For those unable to attend 

• Notes
• Slide Presentation 

The benefits of joining the IRN framework are:

• Clear service specification
• Framework providers will be prioritised for placements
• Framework providers will be prioritised for uplifts
• Opportunity to participate in mini competitions
• Integrated approach with Health 

For all contractual enquiries please email procurement.adults@essex.gov.uk