Westminster City Council's Westminster VCS Homelessness Prevention Training Pilot

Description

This pilot is a place-based initiative designed to strengthen early intervention and upstream homelessness prevention through training and capacity building of the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations. The pilot will initially be launched in North Paddington. The procurement will secure a provider to: • Provide training, support and capacity building to the VCS around understanding upstream prevention, housing and homelessness, and Westminster pathways and support. • Co-design a holistic package of resources for the community to utilise throughout and following the pilot. • Provide the VCS organisational developmental support to strengthen internal processes and confidently support residents at risk of housing instability. • Deliver the training and support package beyond North Paddington into the wider Westminster area using the training modules and learning from the initial pilot. The total maximum contract value is £150,000 (exc VAT) for the initial 12-month pilot period (1st September 2026-31st August 2027) with an option to extend for further 12 months for £100,000 (exc VAT) The pilot will operate for an initial 12‑month period, with ongoing evaluation to assess outcomes and effectiveness. Subject to performance and learning, there is scope to extend the pilot for a following 12-month period and expand beyond the North Paddington area. All information provided will be considered commercially sensitive and kept in confidence. An online Provider Information Event will be held on the July 2nd 2026