The council commissions its older peoples accommodation services with and without nursing through the Integrated residential and Nursing Framework (IRN).

The IRN Refresh for 2026 is now open until 7 April 2026.

If you are already part of the framework, please complete the tender exercise for current providers. You will need to search for "A017PC IRN 2026 - Existing Suppliers" (ref: DN802977) on Procontract.

If you are bidding to join the framework, please complete the exercise for new entrants. You will need to search for "A017PC IRN 2026 - New entrants to the Framework" (ref: DN802973) on Procontract.

Guidance documents are available within the tenders. If you have any questions, please submit them via the Procontract platform. The deadline for clarification questions is 17:00 on Monday 23 March. 

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